বাংলায় পড়ুন
In a first, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Kolkata would be joining hands with a Durga Puja organising committee of Salt Lake showcasing different forms of Chinese arts at the puja at BJ Block of Salt Lake.
Consul General of the People's Republic of China, Ma Zhanwu, during a press conference said that the association would go a long way in strengthening the Indo-China relationship.
A structure about 20 feet tall, resembling the bottle gourd, called Hulu in Chinese, will be built in front of the pandal. Chinese artefacts and Indian handicrafts will also be on display in the pandal.
“a group of 20 Chinese artists will perform dance, songs and martial arts at the pandal at BJ Block in Salt Lake. They will put up at least four sessions on October 13, 15, 16 and 17. There will also be a host of Chinese cuisines for the taking,” Zhanwu said, seated between members of the puja organising committee.
He said that event would help disabuse the minds of some Chinese people who think India is a backward country. “At present some people in China have a distorted idea about India. They think it is not very developed. This is chiefly because of misleading media reports. Through events like these they will know more about the culture of India. A lot of work is to be done to change their perception and this event will go a long way towards it,” he said and added, “Chinese have learnt many things from Indians. One of these is Buddhism. There are lots of similarities in two cultures, however for different reasons the momentum of exchange has hampered due to misconceptions over the years. With this event we will be able to promote cultural harmony in this part of the country as the eastern region is known for its diverse cultural aspects.”
US Ghoshdastidar, president of the organising puja committee said that they had requested Zhanwu last year to help Chinese people of Kolkata partake in the puja at their block. “He had promised and had kept his promise this year. The puja will be spread over 2000 square metre and a replica of the Hulu will be constructed in front of the pandal. It will be a treat to the eye and is expected to draw a lot of footfalls at the puja which will step into its 35th year this time,” he said.
