The Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just a festival to the people of West Bengal but an emotion. The magnanimity of the 5-day fiesta is no less than that of the La Tomatina in Spain or the Rio de Janerio carnival in Brazil and you are sure to be bowled over by the spirit and mood of the city during the period. And probably that is the reason behind the Chinese Consulate trying to get involved in Kolkata’s cultural scenario.
In it’s bid to unite the traditions of both the countries, the consulate will fully sponsor the BJ Block Durga Puja in Salt Lake City, Kolkata according to TOI.
The Durga Puja organized by the BJ Block is the oldest township Durga Puja in Salt Lake.
Apart from sponsoring, the consulate will send a team of artists and artisans to China to train in designs inspired by Chinese architecture. This is because the theme of the Puja will be inspired from Chinese architecture with everything from the deity to the pandal giving a hint of it.
Artists will also be sent from China to give the people a taste of Chinese art, flute music, dragon dance, and acrobatics. While the pandal is most likely to resemble a pagoda, the ground attached to it will be utilized for displaying Chinese culture.
Speaking about the same, Consul General, Ma Zhanwu said,
“Durga Puja of Kolkata is an experience and it transcends religious thresholds, bringing everyone together. Naturally we at the Chinese consulate have also become quite involved in the festivities. This year, we will bring China to Salt Lake.”
BJ Block Puja secretary Umashankar Ghosh Dastidar seemed ecstatic about the collaboration. According to Dastidar, they are trying to make the pandal a must-stop for the pandal hoppers this year.
“Hope this grand theme that we are drawing up with the consulate works out well. In the coming weeks, we will hold several rounds of talks with the consulate to firm up the plans.”
Woah that’s some news! Thank us later, Bengalis.