Participants carry a Durga idol at the puja rally organised by the West Bengal government on Thursday.
Amit Datta/My KolkataThe rally was organised to thank Unesco for including Durga Puja in the list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). “I would like to thank Unesco for according their ICH tag to Durga Puja. From today, our festivities have begun, a month in advance. I welcome people from all walks of life to participate in the rally and thank everyone watching this rally from around the world,” chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, while inaugurating the rally.
Amit Datta/My KolkataThe rally began from Jorasanko in north Kolkata around 2pm and headed towards Red Road via Bowbazar, Chandni Chawk , Dorina crossing, Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
Amit Datta/My KolkataRepresentatives of more than 1,000 Durga Puja committees took part in the rally.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataParticipants were seen playing 'dhak', flute and singing puja songs. Similar rallies were also organized in the districts.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataWomen perform a traditional tribal dance at the rally.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataWomen dressed in traditional attire showcase their skills.
Chhou performers at the rally.
The rally concluded with a cultural programme on Red Road.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataBaul singers perform on Red Road.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataActresses Sayantika Banerjee and Subhasree Ganguly from the Bengali film industry perform at the rally.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataChief minister Mamata Banerjee and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly greet each other.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataChief minister Mamata Banerjee congratulates Tapati Guhatakurta who played an important role in getting Durga Puja the intangible cultural heritage tag.
Suvendu Das /My KolkataChief minister Mamata Banerjee felicitates Eric Falt, director and representative of Unesco cluster office, New Delhi and Tim Curtis, secretary, IHC, Unesco who flew in from Paris to attend the programme.
Suvendu Das /My Kolkata