Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Durga Puja - 27 days to go. So, image of goddess Durga now getting the colours by the artists of Kumortuli. 'Saaj' of Durga - preparing by the rural girls. Preparation of bamboo arts for the decoration of puja pandals. -- A. B.

There at Kumortuli, the artist busy to prepare the image of goddess Durga, and at south Kolkata, the organiser of 'Suruchi Sangha' Durga Puja announced the Theme of 2011 Durga Puja - "Bhu-swarga Kashmir". This famous puja of New Alipore, Kolkata can be viewed this year with the atmosphere of beautiful state of India - Kashmir (The Switzerland of India). On the other hand, another puja committee of famous Lake Town Durga Puja 2011 announced their Theme today - "Tree". Hence, one can view their puja in the atmosphere of greens. -- A. B.

Today is the birthday of Uttam Kumar - the super star of Bengali silver screen. Since childhood he was eager to be an actor, an actor of silver screen, an actor of difference. When he was a kid, he used to listen rehearsing his elders for new drama or opera hidden outside room and peeped through the window. I grew amid hay days of Uttam Kumar. And hence used to go at the cinema halls with mother at ladies stall as a kid. Since my childhood I'm a die hard fan of Uttam Kumar. His films in black and white given me very colourful evenings to cherish aloof. He was the one and only matinee idol of born-romantic Bengalee. Therefore, he will remain ever as 'Mahanayak Uttam Kumar' for the Bengalee. -- A. B.

At the end of the match, one word for Messi is enough - AMAZING!! Despite heat (though today's weather is cool for us due to clouds and rain) and humid weather of Kolkata, he played very well. His target was to score goals but missed several times. However, we, the city of joy 'Kolkata' very happy to watch him playing here. Welcome Messi! We will remember you!! -- A. B.

First half of this match not so remarkable. Venezuela tried to attack and not allowed Messi to get the ball. At 45 minutes, Venezuela got a real chance to score. -- A. B.

After a few hours, the big Argentina vs Venezuela big match will start at Salt Lake Stadium (Yuba Bharati Krirangan) in Kolkata. Before that, the super star of football Lionel Messi under tight security. -- A. B.

Kolkata is counting down to its date with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. But as the team practices and gets ready for the big match, the real action is outside the gates of the stadium and their five-star hotel. Click here to read the full story --

Antonella Roccuzzo - Messi's girlfriend talked with Messi over telephone a few hours ago from Brazil and wished him. She also expressed her crave for a goal. -- A. B.

Menu: Cornflakes Soup Bread Energy Tonic After the breakfast, they discussed about today's technical strategies. -- A. B.

Superstar footballer Lionel Messi is set to keep his date with India and unfold his magic when he leads Argentina in a FIFA international friendly against Venezuela on Friday when the euphoria of one ... Click here to read the full story --

At this stadium, Messi will play tomorrow the friendly football match as the main player of Argentina National Team against Venezuela. This stadium was mainly built to play football with tracks for athlet meet. The capacity of this stadium is 1,12,000 spectators. The stadium recently renovated due to tomorrows Argentina vs Venezuela football match. The look of this pride of Kolkata is very beautiful. -- A. B.

In this festive season of Eid-Ul-Fitr, a piece of 'City of Joy' at Millennium Park. -- A. B.