Two days of endless pandal-hopping across 50 pujas - it's going to be a dream Durga Puja for the 40 young judges of Sobisco presents TTIS Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo, banking partner UCO Bank.
The fun begins on Panchami, October 18, when the kids will be split into groups for a tour of pandals across the city. They will mark the pujas on a variety of parameters, including creativity and eco-friendly quotient.
On Sashthi, October 19, the students will be joined by celebrity judges as they visit the shortlisted pujas and hand over awards.
It is Rajnandni Sharma's third tryst with Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo and she is as excited as the first time, if not more. "It's wonderful to be able to meet so many new people. We also get to spend time with celebrities and click pictures with them. At the pandals, we too are treated like celebrities," smiled the Class XI student of Doon Public School.
Aditya Alexander is looking forward to his Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo debut. "Panchami and Sashthi are going to be the best Puja days this year. I am really looking forward to making new friends and going pandal-hopping with them, not to mention judging the pujas," said the Class VIII student of St. Xavier's Collegiate School.
Suresh Agarwal, the director of Sona Biscuits Ltd (owners of Sobisco biscuits and cakes), described it as a unique platform for kids. "I am delighted to be a part of Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo. It's a unique and interesting platform where we get to see children judging the pandals," he said.
Banking partner UCO Bank, too, lauded the concept. "We are honoured to be a part of this event," said Partha Chanda, the director of the bank.
Also on board are stationery partner Sethi Writing Company, trophy partner Re-feel, mobility partner Suzuki, hospitality partner Swissotel, radio partner 91.9 Friends FM, knowledge partner JIS Group and green partner Earth Day Network.
The participating pujas are already gearing up to impress the junior judges. Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty, last year's Best Puja, will boast a pandal made of two lakh coconut shells this time. "Winning an award after being judged by youngsters is a great feeling. It means the new generation is appreciating our work. We want to show how nothing is waste. Everything can be turned into art. I am sure the kids are going to love it," said Ashok Jaiswal, the vice-president of the puja committee.
Art is also in focus at Santoshpur Lake Pally, last year's runner-up. "Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo is a big affair for us," said Mainak Ghosh, a member of the puja committee.
