IT’S SAFETY FIRST FOR ALL
The clubs are planning to celebrate the day like they used to do before the pandemic threw life off-kilter. “We’ll be celebrating Dol Purnima at the club on March 18 and 19 while maintaining all COVID protocols. The number of cases may be lower, but the virus is still around, so we won’t be allowing any member to play with colours inside the club premises to ensure social distancing,” Subir Banerjee, the chairman, sports and games, of a city club, told us.
Sanjeeb Ghosh, the secretary of another club, told us that they are planning to make this Holi a grand and musical one. “We’ll be providing organic abir to the members to play with, but no one will be allowed to bring colours from outside. All the events will be conducted keeping COVID protocols in mind,” he added.
Chandan Roy Choudhury, the honorary secretary of another club, said they will be maintaining safety protocols strictly. “Members will only be allowed to put abir teeka on each other. We have many elderly members in the club, so their safety is important,” he said.
Col S Banerjee, the secretary of another club, informed us that they will have a low-key celebration. “No colour will be allowed inside the club. Members will be allowed to play only with fresh flowers,” he said.
“We are celebrating Holi in the club on March 16. We’ve invited all our members with family and friends to spread the cheer. Keeping the safety of members in mind, colours won’t be allowed on the club premises,” said Dinyar Mucadum, CEO of another club.
Kailash Athwani, honorary secretary of another club, said all members are looking forward to the festival. “Only dry organic colours will be allowed this time,” he added.
MUSICAL MAGIC ON THE CARDS
At the same time, most of the clubs are planning to make the celebration memorable with musical concerts and more. “We’ll be decorating the club with flowers and on March 18, Kartik Baul will be performing at the club. There will also be a dance performance for the guests. Members can also shake a leg to numbers belted out by DJ Shakey. The March 19 evening will be a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar and Sanjeevani Bhelande will perform at the club,” Subir Banerjee told us.
Sanjeeb Ghosh said vocalists Sujoy Bhowmik and Somdutta Banerjee will be performing at the club. “Aditi Bhattacharya will be reciting a poem alongside a choreographed dance. There will also be a dhaki performance and a dance performance by Rabindra Bharati students,” he added.
The spokesperson of another city club said they will be celebrating Holi Milan Rang Barse on Holi. “There will be live musical performances by Trijoy and Tamanna and guests can dance to the latest Hindi remixes by DJ Happy” he said.
“We’ll be celebrating on the Punjab tennis court as the space is more there and social distance can be maintained. Singer Abhishek Roy Chowdhury will perform and there will also be bhangra and dhol performances,” Kailash Athwani said.
CLUBS PREPARE COLOURFUL MENUS
What’s Holi without thandai and great food? So, all clubs are treating members to some great food and beverages. “A sumptuous Holi lunch will be served at the club. From gandharaj fry chicken to mini fish fry, bhuna khichuri, mutton kosha and more will be on the menu,” Sanjeeb Ghosh told us.
Chandan Roy Choudhury said that their Holi lunch will be mutton/chicken biryani, raita and sweets. Subir Banerjee said apart from good food, thandai will be on the menu.
Dinyar Mucadum informed us that they will be arranging for specially curated food stalls. “The stalls will serve dahi vada, pav bhaji, chicken pulao, mutton boti kebab etc. Guests can quench their thirst with some great thandai,” he said.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-clubs-gear-up-for-safe-yet-fun-holi-festivities/articleshow/90175244.cms
