This was my first year participating in the cultural events at SIPA Durga Pujo, thanks to Urbi and Promode Da. The cultural events were under the befitting umbrella of ‘Saptarang’. Like the vibrant atmosphere of the Pujo at SIPA the cultural events aptly covered all the hues of cultural programmes. From the legendary Antakshari, to stand-up comedy, popular singing performances to classical tabla and various dance performances, the celebration of Pujo was complete. The Saptarang team with their tireless efforts and endless enthusiasm made each and every event entertaining. SIPA at its core has inclusivity as its guiding principle and that was reflected in the well curated programmes. The programmes were not just performances for the participants but opportunities to make new friends too.
For our Antakshari team, Sanjay and Ekta graciously hosted all our practice sessions at their home, not to mention the yummy food that Ekta prepared for us; kept us all fully enthused at all times. All the other teams led by Promode Da (Champion team), Naveen and Lakshmi, I think, also experienced the same camaraderie among their team members.
The Antakshari was conducted very adeptly by Abhijit assisted by ‘sharp-eye’ Indranil who was the human buzzer detector among managing other functions such as ensuring all teams fit physically and audio visually on a modest stage setup and many such insanely tedious logistics. The judge was none other than the one and only RJ Renuka Bhagat Arora of Radio Masti 24x7. And this was only Saptami. Ashatami was filled with great tabla performances and the highlight, for me, personally, was the dance performed by ladies of SIPA, choreographed and performed to perfection, what a treat to watch. Followed by Promode Da and Lakshmi taking us on a voyage of mesmerizing music. Ekdalia Nabami was another musical evening with Team Fusion’s performances and ending with a truly humble tribute to the legendary Kishore Kumar. The success of all the shows was ensured by the unrelenting work of all the volunteers of the SIPA Saptarang team as well as all the people, members, non-members alike and their families and friends. SIPA and Saptarang. Best part of it all? It was truly “aamar Pujo, tomar Pujo shobar Pujo” in the true spirit of the people, by the people (tireless volunteers), and for the people (everyone, non-members, non-members alike).
