HIDCO chalks out plans to welcome tourists in city during Pujas

West Bengal Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) has chalked out elaborate plans to welcome those who come to the city during the Pujas. This is for the first time when a state government agency has taken steps to welcome the people coming from other states and countries.

On Panchami day at Akhankha More named as Mangaldeep by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Panchapradeep which has been designed by famous architect Prabir Mitra will be lit up. This is an old custom to welcome those who come back home to join festival with lamp.

There will be dhakis to greet them as well. The whole area will be lit up to mark the country’s biggest festival Durga Puja. In the past few years, many foreigners are coming to the city to enjoy the festival. In Eco Park known as Prakriti Tirtha there will be dhakis in coloured attire to welcome the guests during the Pujas. There will be dhakis and dhols to give the entire area a festive mood.

Food is intimately connected with the Durga Puja festival and to make this year’s festival a very special one Café Ekante has prepared mouth watering menu of traditional khichdi from October 7 to 10.

There will be bhoger khuchuri along with five Bengali vegetables, fried dish, chatni and papad for Rs 199 plus taxes per plate. The famous bhuna khichdi of Dhaka will be available for Rs 329 a plate.

There will be fried Hilsa, bhuna mutton, chatni, papad and some sweet dishes. The home style khichdi will be available with Omlette, papad, chatni and a sweet dish. There is very special khichdii with mutton along with a fried dish, chatni, papad and a sweet dish for Rs 249 a plate.

Along with khichdi there will be pulao and biriyani too. There will be sweet pulao made of Govindabhog rice and will be served along with a fried dish, matar paneer, chatni, papad and a sweet dish. There will be dhansiri morog pulao,the famous Goalander Chingri pulao, swabin and tulshi pulao and kima pulao. Besides, there will be murg dam biriyani, mutton Lucknow biriyani and murg tikka biryani.

The menu has been prepared in a way that it caters to all sorts of clients. Café Ekante, named by the Chief Minister has become very popular and one has to book tables in advance on Saturdays, Sundays and on occasions.