4th edition of Yuva Utsav to show how Bengal fosters unity in diversity

Kolkata: The 4th edition of Yuva Utsav 2019 at ward 68 in the Gariahat area in South Kolkata will uphold the message that Bengal is a place where people from all religion, caste and creed live in peace and harmony.

The two-day festival that will also commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda will commence with a marathon in the ward and end on Sunday through a musical programme.

"School children, elderly people and slum dwellers will actively take part in various events that will be held as part of the Utsav," said Sudarshana Mukherjee councillor of

ward 68.

Subrata Mukherjee, state minister for Panchayats & Rural Development and Water Investigation will mark the beginning of the event through a marathon run.

"The Prabhat Pheri programme will witness the participation of around 500 school children including those from the slum areas. They will be dressed in a befitting manner and some of them will be riding on chariots with attractive messages that would spread the message that India does not only mean Hindutva and people of all religion live together here," Mukherjee said adding that senior citizens will also be a part of the programme.

A major attraction of the festival will be the cooking done by members of the Self-Help Groups with a focus on home made items that have now taken a backseat because of the daily business. Karaishutir Kachuri (Peas Kachuri) and Narkel Naru will be served to the citizens.

The other events will be street art festival, sit and draw, musical chair, body building show and a fuchka eating competition for the slum children of the area. "Hand pulled rickshaws are an integral part of my ward so I have decided to hand over garments to them who struggle hard to earn a living," Mukherjee said.