The Purva Kolkata Maheswari Sabha proudly presents its 16th annual Gangour Mahotsav, lovingly referred to as Puva Kolkata Gangour Mahotsav.
Under the astute guidance of PKMS President Rajesh Chandak, this year’s festivities unfold in a symphony of revered traditions and spirited revelry.
The itinerary is a rich tapestry of sacred rites, intricate mehndi designs, vibrant cultural showcases, melodious renditions of Gangour songs by esteemed members, a captivating procession, and daily homage paid at the resplendent Gangour puja mandap, bedecked in festive embellishments.
The festival’s inauguration, graced by the esteemed presence of industrialist and philanthropist Smt Shashi Bangur as Chief Guest, resonated with exuberance and reverence. Her effusive praise for the grandeur of the event and its potential to ignite a cultural renaissance among the youth found resonance with the gathering, further amplified by her soulful rendition of a timeless Rajasthani Gangour Geet .
Hemant Marda, chief coordinator of the Gangour festival, aptly illuminated the festival’s genesis in 2009, a testament to the visionary zeal of founder president Jiwan Lal Bahety and Bhawar Lal Rathi, buoyed by the steadfast support of Suresh Jhawar and Gopal Damani. With each passing year, the festival undergoes a metamorphosis, endeavoring to transcend geographical boundaries and temporal constraints, effectively transporting the denizens of Kolkata to the vibrant realm of Rajasthan, while concurrently fostering an exchange of cultural nuances between Bengal and Rajasthan.
The resounding success of the three-day extravaganza is evidenced by the overwhelming attendance, drawing an eclectic mix of devotees hailing from diverse echelons of society, united in their reverence and ardor for Gangour and its timeless traditions.