What: Seagram’s Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water presents The Telegraph Puja Premier League 2023 powered by Indian Institute of Hotel Management
Where: Santosh Mitra Square
The theme: Santosh Mitra Square brings the Ayodhya Ram Temple that is currently under construction and slated to open next year, to its venue in Bowbazar. Taking inspiration from the blueprint of the temple plan, the pandal replicates the ceiling and walls with materials like foam and Thermocol and outlines the pandal to make it look stunning post-sunset. A huge screen brings alive the silhouette of Rama in a golden hue, Hanuman carrying the Gandhamadan hills on his shoulder and the trinity of Rama, Lakshman and Sita.
(l-r) Shaheb enjoyed a performance on Bangla amar sorshe ilish by a young performer, This little girl impressed with her dance performance
Organiser speak: “Santosh Mitra Square always has a surprise for its visitors. This time around, we have tried and replicated the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya. More than 600 workers from Bengal have been engaged in erecting the pandal over the last four months. Those responsible for the light and sound show have been flown down from Delhi,” said Swarnava Das, working secretary of the club, adding, “The message that we are trying to send out through our theme is that one needs to leave behind the egoistic side, that is Ravana who exists in everyone, and try to be like Rama who is known for his selflessness. We have grown up hearing stories of Lord Rama and his devotion to Goddess Durga. We are expecting a footfall of 20 lakh.”
(l-r) A participant enthralled all with her performance on Sisir e Sisir e, A bundle of talent, Riddhiraj Sen recited Amar Durga
Rooting for the club is: Shaheb Bhattacherjee. “It feels great to be here this evening. Today is just Dwitiya and seeing the crowd swell, I feel that speaks for the enthusiasm around Pujo that has now been well extending for 10 days. I think the entire city is now pulsating with this positive energy, which is great to watch. My Puja plan entails a lot of fun, thanks to my puja parikrama duties. I am blessed to have such opportunities. I am also a tad bit nostalgic right now. The cultural programmes reminded me of my good old childhood days. I used to be a regular in such programmes. I am glad children in the city are still encouraged to take up these arts and not left with gadgets to spend time with,” said Shaheb wearing a traditional kurta pyjama.
Shaheb joined these little artistes on stage and won hearts all over again
Activities: Shaheb was welcomed with flowers by committee member Subhajit Roy. The evening started with cultural programmes by dance groups and neighbourhood kids. The actor could not contain the child in him and post a dance performance, he tried to learn a few steps from the little ones and clicked lots of pictures.
Couples struck a pose after a hilarious and entertaining talk show. (L-R) Subhajit Roy, Kajal Roy, Ananya Chatterjee, Puranjoy Banerjee, Shaheb Bhattacherjee, Anuradha Choudhury, Tushar Choudhury, Priyajit Das, Snigdha Das and working secretary Swarnava Das