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Debjit Mukherjee, Kolkata: As Kolkata celebrates Durga Puja Carnival after a hiatus of 2 years due to Covid-19 pandemic, the mega event was presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and flanked by senior government officials, dignitaries from foreign embassies, consulates and representatives of UNESCO. More than 90 Durga pandal committees showcased their idols in colourful tableaux while playing their theme songs and performing cultural dances. The Chief Minister could be seen shaking a leg with the artists in the Durga Puja Carnival, held at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road area which is also the location for the Independence and Republic Day Parade.
As many as 94 Puja Committees have participated in the Carnival in 2022. Each puja committee got three minutes to play their theme song and perform cultural programme. Several roads were closed for more than six hours in the heart of Kolkata. Renowned classical dancer Dona Ganguly’s dance troupe performed at the inauguration of the event which had the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as it’s Chief Guest.
West Bengal is also celebrating UNESCO’s recognition to Kolkata’s Durga Puja following its inclusion in the ‘List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ in December last year. As per Kolkata Police sources, more than 2000 police personnel were deployed for the carnival.
