NKDA to award best dhunuchi dance

Kolkata: In an attempt to add a new dimension and enthusiasm to the rituals of dance with dhunuchi or pradeep (oil lamps) before taking Durga idols for immersion, New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) will award the puja committees who will perform the best dance in groups. There are around 71 puja committees in New Town and most of the pujas are organised by women.

"Every year, on the day of immersion, there is a lot of excitement particularly among women who after Sindur Khela, dance with oil lamps or dhunuchis. This reminds us of the puja at Bagbazar where women take the lead role while bidding goodbye to Devi Durga. The idea of awards will surely infuse more enthusiasm," NKDA chairman Debashis Sen said.

Sen held a meeting of all puja committees of New Town at Nazrul Tirtha on Saturday. The cultural secretaries of all puja committees would be organising a WhatsApp/ Facebook/ Twitter induced popularity votes to select the best cultural function (song, dance, recitation, etc) among the 71 pujas.

"We decided to continue with our traditions of lining up at Upasanasthal during immersion and having the traditional dhunuchi dance in the tunes of dhaks," an NKDA official said.

The awards will be given at the New Town Mela which will be held from December 24 to 31 in presence of state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim.

With New Town being a clean and green city, Sen requested the puja organisers to plant a tree each and send the photograph through WhatsApp along with a photo of the tree that was planted last year. The trees will be posted on NKDA's website.