Red Road Carnival ends Durga Puja

Kolkata: Durga idols of 68 leading community pujas of the city and the districts, accompanied by tableaux presenting the unique and intricate artwork at the marquees and dazzling illumination took part in the “Red Road Carnival”, marking the end of Durga Puja festivities.

This was the third edition of the event which is the brainchild of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and christened by her, held ahead of immersion of the idols in the Ganga.

Ms Banerjee herself was present at the colourful about four-hour long programme along with members of her council of members and senior Trinamool Congress leaders.

The event started with a dance item from the Bollywood film controversial Hindi movie Padmavaat.

Sribhumi Sporting Club, which presented it, had built its marquee to look like the Chittor fort.

There were even replicas of the sculptures housed in the fort.

Women ISKCON devotees danced to the tune of the Durga Puja theme song composed by Banerjee for Suruchi Sangha, another community puja, whose tableau presented some of their gorgeous art installations as well as the idols.

A slice of heritage north Kolkata replete with a mansion, a roadside tea stall and hand pulled rickshaw was presented in the tableau of Chorbagan Sarbojonin.

Chetla Agrani, another multiple award winning puja, showcased a replica of the Sish Mahal fort of Rajasthan.

The 21 Pally presented the “Safe Drive Save Life campaign” which was launched by the chief minister about two years ago in its tableau.

The Netajinagar Lowland Sarbojonin in its tableau highlighted the “Kanyashree” and “Sabujsathi” projects of the state government launched to improve the status of girls and distribution of bicycles among students.

Over 15,000 people turned out to watch the carnival, which was also attended by members of different consulates, dignitaries and tourists, officials said.

Banerjee had in tweet on Monday invited people to the carnival, which aims at projecting Durga Puja, Bengal's biggest festival to tourists who missed the opportunity to see the brilliant idols and the unique craftsmanship on pandals during the festival days.

A Kolkata Police official said all arrangements were made to manage traffic and ensure security during the carnival.