4 puja pandals bag Governor's Durga Ratna awards in West Bengal

Kolkata: Four Durga Puja pandals (venues) are to share the recently instituted Governor’s “Durga Ratna” awards in West Bengal, the Raj Bhavan Kolkata has stated.

The awards have been instituted by Governor CV Ananda Bose and recognise the most “outstanding Durga Pandal which reflects the essence of Bengaliana”, an update mentioned. Based on the “people’s choice” – the entries were invited from the public – four pandals have stood out. 

Tala Prattoy Durga pandal – for creative use of light and shade, Kalyani ITI pandal – for grandeur and visual delight, Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar – for environmental consciousness, and Netaji Colony (Low land) pandal – for innovative theme, have been declared as the winners.

“In addition to the cash prize of 5 lakhs (which would be shared by the four winners), they will also be presented with a citation and a plaque (sic),” a Raj Bhavan update mentioned.

The awards instituted by the Raj Bhavan, apparently is a parallel attempt at acknowledging creativity during the festival, and have been announced days after the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman Awards, which are awarded by the West Bengal government during Durga Puja. For this festive season, the Bengal government has already announced 104 awards, under eight categories.

“People’s jury will select the best one. No money from the government will be used for this,” the Raj Bhavan had declared, earlier. With the awards declared, the Raj Bhavan added that the State Bank of India is the sponsor for the same. In addition to the Rs 5 lakh cash prize, to be shared by the four winners, there’s also a citation and a plaque that’s being presented.

Besides, the Durga Puja awards add up to several awards that the Raj Bhavan has presented in the last few months. The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service, the Governor’s Karmayogi Excellence Award have been presented earlier.