A Nepali band performs at the fest. Picture by Suman Tamang

Restaurants, shops and a few offices in this historical hill station may have been closed during the Citu-sponsored bandh on Thursday, but that was all the more reason for crowds to throng the ongoing Darjeeling Carnival in its seventh day.

All the programmes were held according to schedule,” said Samir Sharma, one of the organisers. “In fact, the turnout was much more than other days.” That the love for music and fun was apolitical and came with no strings attached was amply proved by the chock-a-block audience at Chowrasta in Darjeeling, the venue for most of the events. A fine weather throughout the day encouraged attendance even more.

Irish and Murphy. Pictures by Suman Tamang

On stage

Starting with more rounds of the Darjeeling Idol competition, an event introduced for the first time in the four-year history of the carnival, the crowds saw and heard Bhojpuri dancing, a performance by the Limbu Association from Sikkim, and music by Nepali bands. While voting for the Idol will be through SMS, the winner will be declared on Sunday.

Star Act, a band from Calcutta, also put up a show. As usual, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Calcutta, arranged for some colourful Indian folk performances to wind up the colourful day.

Canine vows

A few unique events have been arranged this time at the carnival. One of them was a dog show last Sunday, where different pedigrees strutted and sniffed the arena, showcasing the best of their abilities. The show was rounded off with the wedding of two Irish Setters, much to the amusement of the crowd, especially the children.

“Murphy who, along with his owner Sanjay Gurung, hails from Kalimpong, tied the knot with Iris, owned by Vikram Rai of Darjeeling,” said one of the organisers. According to reports last received, both the two-and-a-half-year old canines are happy with their married status.

The momo-eating competition. Picture by Suman Tamang

Momo contest

And if all this made the audiences hungry, all they had to do was sign up for the momo-eating competition that was held on Wednesday. “In one minute, how many momos can you eat?” read the invitation. Sunil Thapa responded with 10, bagging the first prize, and not very far behind was Ukil Das, who managed eight.

Three more days are left for the festivities. Social messages have been made part of the schedule with a street play on HIV/AIDS, and exhibitions stressing the importance of preserving the region’s heritage, on the cards.

Screen delight

The premiere of a documentary, In tune with Darjeeling, an effort at capturing the hill town’s involvement with Western music from the 60s to the present day, has been lined up for Friday.