Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Sri Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the 21 Kolkata International Film Festival before 15 thousand spectators at Netaji Indoor Stadium this evening. BigB said, he is feeling honoured to be invited again this year and briefed the contribution of Bengal film industry in the national and international scenario. Smt. Jaya Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Vidya Balan and Mousumi Chatterjee presented there also praised the contribution of Kolkata in films. Earlier, a beautiful musical programme conducted by Bikram Ghosh made spellbound the audience. -- A. B.

In the year 1898 on this day, Sri Sri Ma Sarada was conducted the foundation of this school for girls, conceived by Sister Nivedita, later named as Ramkrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls' High School (Valika Vidyalaya), situated at Nivedita Lane, Bagbazar, Kolkata. It was the auspicious day of Kali Puja. Swami Vivekananda was attended the function too. His two brother disciples Swami Brahmananda and Swami Saradananda were presented with Swamiji. -- A. B.

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Rural Bengal has its own unique essence of celebrations and performance, none even the gorgeous lighting and innovative theme pandals can mar the simple sweetness of rural observance. Pujas particularly Saraswati and Kali pujas have these features in rural Bengal. -- A. B.

After the traditional "Ghot Snan" (ঘট স্নান) - the Maha puja at Dakshineswar Kali Temple is now going on. -- A. B.