A visit to Kolkata is never enduring without capturing the moments of this vibrant eastern city which is but, all full of life, hope and struggle. Representing Kolkata in different moods and colors is a daunting task, and I am though not fully into it. Yet, one cannot ignore the fascinating journey when one discovers hidden gems and concealed surprises at each and every corner and alleyways while walking down the lanes. Kolkata never misses to present herself in the festive moods, and it is during the Durga Puja- the biggest annual festival, that Kolkata comes alive.
During this festive spirit, people from all walks of life converge in pandals for their arti in the morning. This is in the tune of social gathering where people enjoy the true spirit of a common festive. Puja committees and organizers too try to innovate on pandals to exhibit artistic creativity and design special themes for their pujos. This age old tradition of the Bengalis now gets a digital facelift in the new millennium where, technology and art mixes fervently to provide new colors to the festive ambiance. Some pujas put in mesmerizing themes to attract visitors and draw passionate reviews from the crowds, while others are really good in reflecting ideas and presentation which makes them stand apart. Visitors embed these weeklong events as sweet memories and bond them close to their heart, the puja addas, dhunichi nach, bhog and sandhya arti- those that truly turns the entire city in to a great podium of lights and sounds.
Some pandals have cultural programmes beside live music concerts adjoining their pandals. The grandeur reaches great heights till dashami, when bisarjan (a draw to a close) takes place in the evening, bestowing festive bliss on the kolkatans who eagerly wait for this time of the year round and over again. This festive, in essence, portrays real variety in presentation uniting all kolkatans together in a string of cultural harmony in the most decorative scheme of settings. It is now no more confined as a puja of the Bengalis, but encompasses a secular character where people from all walks of life and community, have a fair share in the festival.
Some cityscapes: Different Moods
The Biriyani Hub
Morning times
Waking Up
Chadni Chowk
Park Street Crossing
Crossroads
E-mall
Esplanade
Kolkata Tram-Still going strong
Festival Flavor
Citylife
Dharamtalla
The Music World
Deep at Night
Bread-n-butter
Chowringhee
Familiar place
Backpackers place
NM
A lonely walk down the Victoria
Kolkata Skyline
A short Walk
In the evening
Sunder street
Morning breadth
Oh! Kolkata Traffic
No comments:
Post a Comment