Mayor announces Kolkata Shree awards

Kolkata: The total awards for Kolkata Shree is likely to cross 100 this year with Kolkata Muncipal Corporation on Tuesday announcing as many as 99 awards in various categories. "Five more pujas may be added to the list of awards and they are still under consideration," Mayor Sovan Chatterjee said while announcing the awards.

As many as 88 pujas bagged the Kolkata Shree in the year 2016. The Mayor's choice awards went to 63 pujas. The surprise award under Mayor's Choice went to Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town under Neighbourhood Puja category.

"The awards will reach the puja organisers soon. Our panel of judges that includes people who have excelled in different streams have gone to a number of puja pandals to judge the best. I myself visited a number of pandals particularly those that have contributed to environmental awareness," Chatterjee, who is also the Environment minister said.

Four of the pujas were awarded in the Best Environment category. The Best of the Best (Serar Sera) awards went to Suruchi Sangha, Naktala Udayan Sangha, Chetla Agrani and Tridhara Akalbodhon.

The other categories in which the awards were given include: best idol, best ambience, best lighting, best cleanliness, best environment, best theme etc. The pujas in South Kolkata dominated the list of Kolkata Shree awards

The awards for the best disabled-friendly pujas in which awards are given by state Social Welfare department was also announced at KMC. Dhakuria Sarbojonin came first, Kashi Bose Lane second and Sanghatirtha in Hatibagan stood third. The cash awards that will be given will be Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.