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A star-studded puja this year

By Malabika Bhattacharya

KOLKATA SEPT. 29. Kolkata and the rest of Bengal are a virtual riot of colours during the Durga puja. This time, too, it is no exception, what with hundreds of public pujas taking place in and outside Kolkata. But the puja that is attracting most attention is the one organised by the Barisha Players' Corner Club in the southern fringe of the city. Why?

The Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, who resides in Behala, is assembling the game's three other celebrities in the Barisha puja pandal on October 3, the Ashtami day.

The police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, however, told The Hindu in private that for security reasons, the star-studded event would probably take place on Saptami, the second day of the pujas and not on Ashtami or the third day. On that day, Geoff Boycott, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar are likely to join Ganguly at noon in the puja pandal organised by the cricketer's favourite Barisha Players' Corner Club.

The Kolkata cricketer's decision to have such celebrities in a place like Behala has put the administration, police and the corporation on their toes. Besides, what is worrying the authorities most is the cricketers' proposed visit to Ganguly's house in Behala. Located in a narrow lane, it would be a mind-boggling job for the security to keep the cricket-lovers at bay.

Another cricketer who would be making a star appearance in a puja pandal this time is, Virender Sehwag. He will inaugurate the pujas organised by the Ekdalia Evergreen Club whose claim to fame is more for its association with the city Mayor, Subrata Mukherjee. The organisers are trying to outstrip the others in glamour by also trying to rope in the Bollywood actress, Rani Mukherjee, who has her roots in the city.

Cricket apart, the city will soon be teeming with politicians and film stars of all hues in the next few days.

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