In a first, North Bengal to host Sangeet Mela

Kolkata: For the first time this year, the Bangla Sangeet Mela will be held in North Bengal from December 16 to 18. "Besides Kolkata, the mela will be held for the first time in North Bengal in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Siliguri. 200 participants from North Bengal will participate there," minister of state for tourism Indranil Sen said at the curtain raiser of the Mela on Sunday.

He informed that this event will be held in ten places across  Kolkata from December 14 to 21. Rabindra  Sadan, open stage at Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha, Madhusadan Mancha, Mohor Kunja, Phanibhusan Mancha, Deshapriya Park and Hedua Park are some of the places that will host this event. "There will be participants from foreign countries  like UK, US and of course Bangladesh," Mr Sen said.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the inaugural programme at Nazrul Manch on December 14 and will present awards to some leading singers there. "The focus at  Deshapriya Park will be upon the Bangla Bands while the open stage at  Rabindra Sadan will showcase Bengali folk music," an official of the state  information and cultural affairs department said.