Foreigners match steps with Kol revellers at Red Road Carnival
Times of India | 16 October 2024On Tuesday afternoon, many of these foreigners turned up at Red Road wearing traditional Bengali attire, like sari and kurta-pyjamas.They joined the local revellers in bidding adieu to Goddess Durga as the idols were driven ahead for immersion.
Boris Borisovich and his father Boris Illich from Ukraine landed in Kolkata during puja and waited for the carnival to get a taste of the Bengali culture and traditions. “We had been planning to visit the city to experience the carnival for a long time. Every year, foreign tourists share photographs and their experience of the carnival on social media. That prompted me to plan this trip,” Borisovich said.
Illich, who wore a panjabi for the special occasion, added: “I am impressed with the craftsmanship of the idol-makers. I have come to know about the place called Kumartuli where these idols are made every year. I wish I could have gone there when the artisans were crafting these idols.”
Two Australian citizens, Andrea Tunbridge and Lisa Saloman, were also first-timers at the carnival. “My long-cherished plan to fly to Kolkata has come true. I am fond of exploring the traditions and cultures in different countries and this is my first visit to Kolkata. I am amazed at seeing the palatial buildings that date back to over a century. The carnival is a memorable experience for me,” said Tunbridge.
Before flying to Kolkata from Australia last Saturday, Lisa Saloman researched about Durga Puja and the mythological belief about the victory of woman power over evil. “After this festival got the Unesco’s intangible heritage tag, I wanted to experience its grandeur. As I reached the city, the festival was on and I saw a crowd of people on the road for pandal-hopping. I liked the decorations of some pandals. I feel Durga Puja has become a global festival and I am happy to have joined the locals to share the fun,” she said.
Among the foreigners were several Iskcon devotees who visit Mayapur on a regular basis. American citizen Deva-Mayi Dasi said: “I have been to Kolkata many times but this is the first time that I am here for the carnival. It’s a different experience for me to see the city that has gone into a festive mode.”
Roman Gidelika from Moldova was spotted clicking pictures of idols and dance presentations at the carnival. He said: “Had I not come here, I would not have ever known about the splendour associated with Durga Puja. This is my first visit to India and I stayed in Kolkata for about four days to see the puja and the carnival. From here, I will visit Mayapur before flying back.”
