To usher in the spirit celebrations, Durga Puja and the spirit of inclusion, Reliance Trends, in association with Anandabazar Patrika and The Telegraph, had initiated the festive campaign, Trends Saj Parbon. From 360 neighbourhoods across Bengal to 30, and finally, to the three winners, Trends Saj Parbon concluded their journey on October 10. Abir Chatterjee and Ritabhari Chakraborty, the campaign faces, were present to hand over the awards at the finale. Bountiful rewards, elated faces, selfies and more filled the event and ended it on a happy and successful note. The Telegraph was there.
Dumdum Park Bharat Chakra were the ultimate winners of the day with a cash prize of a whopping Rs 1 lakh. The winners told The Telegraph: “We loved this! Every year, we participate in various competitions but this was a new one. The concept was really good, encompassing the various looks we create during Puja. It felt like the Puja started before the Puja and it was an amazing experience to participate in.”
A huge round of applause greeted those who came second in the event, Nalkura Jayasree Sangha. Speaking on this occasion, they said: “This initiative by Trends was amazing and having participated in it as a team, we enjoyed as well. We could do what we had never done before, thanks to this event and Trends.”
The third position was clinched by Rampurhat Nobin Club Sarbojonin Durga Puja. “A huge thanks to everyone of you, especially Trends. We never thought we could get such an opportunity in our area. We are very grateful,” said Team Rampurhat Nobin Club upon their win.
The felicitation programme started off with a special award to Hatibagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav titled ‘Oitijhyabahi Sera Para’. It was in recognition of the club’s efforts in upholding Bengali sentiments and tradition through their Puja, throughout the years, and especially, this year.
Abir Chatterjee said, “Durga Puja to me is more than a Puja, it is coming together of people which has been difficult for the past year-and-a-half. This time, howeve, I felt we knew the virus better and although there were restrictions, the spirit to enjoy these five days was back. This event made sure to incorporate the cultural aspect of Puja as well. Moreover, this saaj is not only something external, but also, about feeling good and confident from the inside. Trends has given that independence for everyone to dress as they want, whether they go out or stay in for addas.”
“Last year we missed Puja and it is not something that we Bengalis can easily let go of. This time, although the restrictions were there, at least the Puja spirit was back. I think the main spirit of Puja is community which, with social distancing, was impossible last year. With Saj Parbon, people got to get together. After this year of isolation, I think it was a phenomenal idea to bring people together as a community through something like this. Also, bringing people together through fashion, especially comfortable fashion, was something I resonated with and loved,” said Ritabhari Chakraborty.