Jamshedpur, Oct. 18: This puja, pandal-hoppers are set to get a heady cocktail of local and the not-so-local music and dance.

While a number of Bangla bands and performing troupes are slated to come down from Calcutta just for the steel city folks, some better-known local artistes, too, would be putting up “quite a show” at various pandals.

Northern Town and CH Area Durga Puja Committee has lined up extravaganzas — on Panchami it was a mind blowing performance by Calcutta rock band, Agneesh. The crowds went wild when the band sang James’ Bheegi Bheegi (remember Gangster the film?).

“On Panchami two local groups performed agomoni gaan (devotional songs). On Shashthi, a light-hearted drama called Rampurer Rangamashi — highlighting problems of the generation divide — was staged.

On Saptami, a dance drama by Bharat Banerjee & group enthralled revellers. Dance dramas are very popular in festive times,” said Amitav Mahanty, the committee secretary.

On Ashtami, children will be the main audience as there is a magic show — fortunately for some, adults are allowed too. Once again a Calcutta troupe — Shur Chhondo — is slated to present yet another dance drama. For those who want more Bollywood — there would be Agneesh with one more night of (who knows?) Bheegi Bheegi. “This year we have roped in some of the best performing artistes,” Mahanty added. For Sonari Central Puja Committee, this year’s special because they would complete their golden jubilee year. Two Calcutta orchestra groups performed on the first day of Puja. “This year the best part will be the aarti competition for men and women. We plan to handsomely reward the top three in each category. This should be great fun,” said R.K. Gujral, the chairman of the Puja committee.

Bhuiyandih Area Puja also deserves a special mention, as they have deftly combined the tradition of Bengal and Jharkhand.

If on Shashthi it was time for Baul performers, on Saptami Jhumur singers ruled on the stage.

On Saptami, artistes from Calcutta rendered Mahalaya geeti and on the last two days artistes specialising in folk songs, like Shanta Banerjee, would perform. Bhajan mandali and a dhaki performance are also on the cards.

The Halud Bani Puja Committee have made children their focus. Thus, an exclusive evening has been planned for their performances, where adults would be doing their bit by clapping and cheering them on.

Sometimes big is not too good, as Sabuj Kalyan Sangh Committee found out. This year their fantastic but rather large Puja fair has led to a space crunch which has forced them to reduce their cultural programmes to just one day. Again on that day the children would rule with their performances.