Uttarpara resident Kaushani Dutta has come to Calcutta only once during Durga Puja. The Class XI student of H.E. Education Centre is looking forward to her sojourn this festive season — as a judge.
Kaushani is one of the 40 young judges for Lalbaba Rice presents TTIS Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo powered by JIS Group and admissiontree.in. The judges will go around visiting pandals on October 8 and 9.
“I got to see Durga Puja in Calcutta once, two years ago. This year, it will be a dream come true to tour the city, with students of my age, judging some of the best pujas. I hope I will get an opportunity to see the Sreebhumi puja pandal up close. But any route is good for me, as I will get to see a bit of Calcutta, too,” said Kaushani.
The judges will be split into groups based on the 10 routes they have to cover across the city. They are expected to visit 50 pujas, as part of TTIS Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo.
There will be awardsfor five categories — BestPuja, Best Idol, BestPandal, Best InnovativePuja and Judges Choice.The young judges will shortlist the best five from among the 50.
“I will look out for sustainable pujas. They are sure to win brownie points from me,” said Kaushani.
Anusha Mitra of Serampore Girls’ High School does not mind waking up early to judge. “I don’t think I will be able to sleep the night before. This is my first year at this event, and I am looking forward to making new friends and learning from the more experienced ones. Creative themes, whether traditional or contemporary, interest me the most. The themes should speak for themselves,” said the Class IX student.
The judges will also look forward to having a Chinese lunch at the Shanghai restaurant on Day I.
On Day II, the action will start right after breakfast at Hyatt Regency, where the kids will be joined by a celebrity. The students will interact and compare notes with the special guest.
“I am a resident of Ballygunge Phari. I am surrounded by big pujas and I go pandal-hopping every year.But still, being a judge for TTIS Choto Chokhe BoroPujo is giving me the thrills,” said Class XI student Divyam Malpani.
The St Xavier’s Collegiate School student is the only one from his institution togo judging during Puja for this event.
“I am looking forward to making new friends and sharing my experiences with the old ones. Being a judge has automatically made me more responsible. I will be doing the job without any bias,” said Divyam.
