Children’s puja

For five years now, a children’s special puja is held at Bidhan Sishu Udyan in Ultadanga. It is a puja by and for the students who learn music, art, swimming and the like at the centre all year.

“It's more fun to be here than at my para on Puja days,” said little Sonali Nath, a resident of Gouribari. “I eat bhog, play games and beat the dhak with my friends here,” she said.

Adrija Ghosh has more friends at the centre than in her Kankurgachhi neighbourhood. “I am excited to show off my new puja dresses here,” said the Class IV student.

The goddess at the institute was adorned with silver daaker saaj. The puja was inaugurated by novelist Sailen Ghosh. Bidhan Sishu Udyan president Hossainur Rahman was also present. “We started the puja hoping to involve children so they get acquainted with our rich tradition,” said secretary Gautam Talukdar.

The children’s parents tagged along too, and many offered the Ashtami anjali there. Several competitions were held like dhunuchi dance, uludhwani, conchshell blowing and lighting the candle.

Barfi dance

Youngsters visiting the IB Block puja on Panchami got to watch “the big mask dance in Barfi!”. The Hullung Adibasi Chhou Party had come from Purulia to perform Mahisasurmardini in the age-old folk form but to teenagers it was a dance that they took note of only in the film Barfi!

Chhou recital in IB Block. Picture by Madhumita Nandi

“It’s the big mask dance that Ranbir Kapoor does at the end of the film,” giggled Antara Roy, a Class X student from HC Block. She and her friends were not aware that the dance was called chhou or that it originates in West Bengal but felt proud of the fact when informed. “I just hope the real dancers today can dance as well as Rabir did,” she smiled.

The “real dancers” —15 of them — have been learning chhou from about the age of seven. “The masks weigh 5kg and our necks take all the load but over time we’ve got used to it,” said Ashok Kumar Mahato, a member of the team that danced for an hour and half straight.

The masks, that they make themselves, were distinct from one another. Saraswati’s complexion was white, Shiva had a snake coiled over his head and Durga’s mukut was the most glamorous. The women’s roles were played by men and music to the songs provided by dhol, nagara and keyboard.

Sandip Singh Sardar said he has seen promos of Barfi on TV but the theatre nearest to his house in an hour and half away.

“We’ll have to wait till they show the film on cable TV but till then I’m happy to know that people all over India are getting to know about chhou,” smiled the man who played Mahishasura.

Back on stage

On Ashtami night, a choir of senior citizens performed at the CK-CL Block pandal. The theme was Tagore’s patriotic songs and some of the ladies performed several decades after their last stage performance, battling age and health conditions.

“I have lived in CK Block for 22 years and would perform plays and songs previously till 10 years ago. I had learnt Rabindrasangeet as a child and hold a diploma in music. Today my voice cracks but am very proud to be on stage again,” smiled 75-year-old Jyoti Gupta.

The elderly residents on song at the CK-CL Block puja. (Saradindu Chaudhury)

Sixty-five-year-old Archana Basu said the month-long rehearsals for the show were a welcome reason for her to step out of the house and meet friends.

The women sang songs like Amar Sonar Bangla and Jodi tor dak shune and a script, weaving in the songs, was read out by 72-year-old Arunima Gupta, who also sang along. For another septuagenarian, Brojo Adhikary, this was her first stage performance after a stroke four years ago. “I have become weak now but Rita forced us to sing and I am so glad I listened to her,” she smiled after the audience applauded their effort.

Rita Roy was the only non-senior citizen member of the group. She had organised the choir and led them on the harmonium. “While youngsters participate whole-heartedly in our cultural programmes, I wanted the elderly to be involved too. I could only convince five ladies to join this year but if encouraged, I’m sure more will join in future,” said Roy.

The performance was appreciated by residents as well the singers’ families. Sita Sen, 74, had been accompanied to the park by her son, daughter-in-law and grandson. “It is usually dida who comes to watch me play tennis and violin but this time it was the other way round. Dida sang beautifully,” said the 12-year-old grandson Nirvik Sen.