Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Today is the 118 birthday of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay - the eminent writer of Bengal who was born at a rural village, but a major part of his life spent in Kolkata. He is my most favourite novelist and short story writer. Khelat Ch Ghosh Memorial Committee will observe his birthday in Kolkata today. Another popular writer Buddhadeb Guha will preside over the function and will discuss about Bandyopadhyay's literature and life. Later, 'Bibhuti Samman' prize in this field will be delivered to the writer Sanjeeb Chattopadhyay and vocalist Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay. Bibhutibhushan was the writer of common people. So, common people will also get scope to speak about the unforgettable writer - Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. If you like, by clicking the title link, you can read the Wikipedia about the writer, to know more. -- A. B.

Sinthi Youth Athletic Club of Kolkata decided to erect their puja pandal based on an ancient Durga temple situated near Vijaynagar of south India. Santoshpur Trikon Park of Kolkata this year chosen 'Ananda' (the joy) as their puja theme. They're creating a flower - the symbol of joy. -- A. B.

Kolkata Police instructed the organisers of Durga Puja that they must not erect overhead gates at puja pandals. But the organisers are perplexed with this instruction because they already estimated the amount to be spent for puja, item-wise. At this juncture, the central committee of the city's puja organisations will meet the issuing authorities to find the solution of this problem tomorrow. -- A. B.

Theme 'Dakshineswar temple' may be one of the best attraction of Kolkata's Durga Puja this year. Singhi Park - the famous puja of the city of joy taking the remarkable job to create the theme of famous Kali temple of Dakshineswar. The height of the temple will be the only difference with the original due to obligation of height limits by the administration. When Rani Rasmoni completed the temple in the year 1855, the total cost was 1000 INR and in 2011, Singhi Park making the replica of this temple in a tune of 40 lakh INR but they assured that one can feel it as original. The image of goddess Durga will conventional 'Ek chala' with a height of 22 feet. And the maker of this image - Pradip Rudra Paul, son of Mohanbanshi Rudra Paul, said that he is making this image by the concept of first Durga image of the year 1604 in Bengal. -- A. B.

Pataldanga - one of the oldest area of Central Kolkata. Century ago, the inhabitants used to gather at the house of their neighbour to enjoy the essence of Durga Puja. Then, the then local people started the puja by individual contributions in the year 1913, that is 99 years ago. Since then, the puja being organised at 48 C, Pataldanga Street of Kolkata as 'Pataldanga Shri Shri Sharadiya Mahamaya'. The organiser of this century-old puja told media today that they never inclined to 'Theme Puja' and they prefer to remain as the lover of conventional 'Daaker saaj' puja. This year also they are about to worship 'Ek chala' Durga, preparing by the renowned artist of Krishnanagar - Mohan Banshi Rudra Paul. -- A. B.

The sky of Kolkata and suburbs remaining cloudy since the beginning of this month and it is raining also now and then. Therefore, the artists of Kumortuli are anxious about the time limit of ensuing Durga Puja. The images of goddess Durga must be prepared within this month, but they're facing problems about the open air drying of the clay models. They compelled to cover the images with plastic blankets. But it takes time to dry the models. Hence, Kumortuli praying for sunny days - at least, upto Durga Puja. -- A. B.

One of the organiser of Durga Puja this year - Naktala of Kolkata, preparing the image of goddess Durga with 'pittal' and mehgoni woods. -- A. B.

The artist at Kumortuli in Kolkata busy with 'Shola' work for the decoration of puja pandals. -- A. B.

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Messi overwhelmed to see yellow card during the practice match in Dhaka yesterday. -- A. B.

Yesterday: Messi leaving Kolkata (right). Messi arriving in Dhaka (left). -- A. B.

Rural folks worshipping a dead elephant in North Bengal. The photo published on today's newspaper. -- A. B.