Students to judge Durga pujas in Kolkata

In 2019 she was the youngest judge. Mahelika Chakraborty of Class IX is back and prepared to judge after three years. On October 19 and 20, Camellia will host TTIS Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo powered by Fridaay, Foodie Folks, and Calcutta Retro.

Mahelika recalls being quite anxious in Class V in 2019. But as a judge, the puja committee members had given her a sense of importance.

"I realized how crucial my job was. This time, I'll watch out for the younger members of my squad, I promise, the Ashok Hall Girls' Higher Secondary School student, who has started exploring the city in search of various idols.

Mahelika will assess about 50 Durga pujas as part of the TTIS Choto Chokhe Boro Pujo together with 40 other students from other local schools.

Five categories — Best Puja, Best Idol, Best Pandal, Best Innovative Puja, and Judges Choice — will receive honors. Out of the 50, the young judges will select the top five.

For this aim, the kids will be split up into 10–12 routes on Day 1.

"I admire it when tradition and innovation coexist. Mahelika declared, "I would watch for a merger of both.

Asmita Sarkar, a class XI student who is serving as a judge this year, deserves recognition for her passion. The Bandel dweller doesn't mind getting up early to travel to Kolkata to visit pandals.

"During Durga Puja, I don't often get to visit Kolkata. But this year, because of this occasion, I am anticipating two fun-filled days. The Chandernagore, England, resident and student of St Anthony's School declared, "I also have a friend joining me in the judging." She intends to spend the night at a relative's house in order to arrive on time on October 20.

On the second day, two young actors will join the kids.

For the majority of the young judges, the opportunity to compare notes with fellow students is another added draw.

At Abhinav Bharati High School, Debraj Mehta, a student in Class VI, is eager to meet new people.

"The utilization of recycled materials and minimal resource waste during a puja appeals to me. Naturally, a unique concept is appealing, but it must also be eco-friendly, the student, who is not at all anxious about his first job, remarked.

N.R. Datta, the chairman of the Camellia Group, believes the idea of having kids judge Durga pujas is original and successful.

"We are pleased to be a part of this event. The best idols will be presented to kids. They frequently judge things more harshly than adults do. The whole point of this event, I'm sure they will have a great time together," he remarked.

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