Phalgun Utsav to showcase Bengali culture in Goa

Panaji, Feb 20: As part of an initiative to showcase Bengali culture and its links with Goa, the Bengali Cultural Association has decided to organise a three-day 'Phalgun Utsav' from February 22.

The secretary of the association R P Paul told mediapersons that the House of Dempos, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Eastern Zone Cultural Centre, Kolkata and Wisitex Foundation besides the state department of Art and Culture will collaborate for the event, claimed to be first of its kind in the state.

Renowned chefs from Kolkata, Mumbai and Goa will prepare special food items and demonstrate cuisine recipes. Bengali thali and special food items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, besides famous sweets would be sold at the venue.

One of the special stalls will help people deck up in costumes of Bengali bride and bridegroom for a picture session like in Kashmir and Jaipur.

Posters depicting famous Bengali personalities and the well researched historical links betwen Bengal and Goa would be displayed.

Thirty-five artists from Eastern Zone Cultural Centre and Priyanka Dance Academy besides local artists from Goa would enthrall the audience with authentic Bengali folk music, songs and dances including famous Baul, Chhau, Lokgeeti, Bhatiali, Santali and Gotipua in the festival.

The event is likely to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane.

UNI