What: adda52 Online Poker Presents The Telegraph Puja Premier League 2022, powered by Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management and Co-Powered by Baazar Kolkata
Where: 66 Pally
The theme: Stepping into its 72nd year of community Durga Puja celebration, the club takes inspiration from the lost era of large, joint families. Ekanna Borti, its theme, recalls the beautiful, egalitarian tradition of erstwhile Bengali households, where, under the firm yet loving guidance of the family matriarch, the sons and their respective families would all eat the same food cooked in a common kitchen by all the women of the family. This tradition not only ensured unity, bonding and solidarity among family members, but also an abundance of love and affection among the members of an extended family spanning three or four generations. This atmosphere of warmth, friendship and camaraderie was reflected in 66 Pally’s The Telegraph Puja Premier League event and the ambience of the pandal.
Gargee Roychowdhury talked at length on lessons learnt during the pandemic and of the need to help the less privileged, particularly in times of crisis
Rooting for the club is: Gargee Roychowdhury. The Tolly actress was effusive in her praise of the design and decor of the pandal and idol. She interacted with the members of the club and spontaneously took part in stage discussions on various topics related to this year’s Durga Puja and the festivities surrounding it. She particularly expressed happiness at the warmth and love shown to her by the club members and by every member of the neighbourhood assembled there for the evening’s entertainment programme. “I am very glad that I came to attend this evening’s show although I was very tired after a tough day at work. Arriving here instantly lifted my mood. It really gives me great pleasure to see all of you celebrating here today in a spirit of innocent fun and friendship. It is indeed rare these days to find a neighbourhood where families live harmoniously with one another. I also appreciate 66 Pally’s efforts to keep the values of ‘Bangaliana’ alive as it is a tradition that I too cherishh deeply. I am truly proud to be a part of this programme and wish the club the very best,” said Gargee Roychowdhury.
Gargee Roychowdhury was touched to be given a traditional welcome by the 66 Pally committee.
Festive fervour: The mood at 66 Pally’s Puja Premier League show resonated with a fondness for the past, gratitude for the present and optimism for the future. A dance on defeating the pandemic and a return to the old way of life started off proceedings on a happy note. It was followed by a witty, tongue-in-cheek dicussion on the ways in which life has changed for the ordinary urban adult, whether at home or at the workplace. A moving, solo folk song performance underlined the need to face up to adversity and carry on despite challenges. A choreographed piece that interpreted retro Bollywood songs in a fun, innovative manner, brought smiles on the faces of the audience. A highlight of the show was a satirical discourse on contemporary society by a ‘lunatic’ who ‘gate-crashed’ the event.
A participant posing as a madman had the audience in splits with his comments on correct social behaviour.
A chat show by members of 66 Pally dicussed how ‘lockdown’ affected our daily lives and how we adopted coping mechanisms that continue to be helpful even in a post-Covid era.
Somanka Betal of Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management awarded prizes to meritorious boys of the club.
A choreographed dance set to retro Bolly numbers was a huge hit among the audience.
A folk song celebrating the resilience of the human spirit set the mood for the evening.
A dance performance that expressed the sheer joy of overcoming the Covid pandemic.
The youngest member of 66 Pally club blew a conch shell to commence the Puja Premier League show.
“We are honoured to be part of The Telegraph Puja Premier League for the first time and we look forward to many more. Our participation has given a major boost to the festive atmosphere at 66 Pally,” said Diplekha Naha and Aritra Mukherjee, executive committee members of 66 Pally.
Pictures: B. Halder