Rays’ signature score theme for Bengal’s weekend cultural fest

Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) "Dekho Re Nayan Mele", one of auteur Satyajit Ray's signature scores urging one to open their eyes and witness the beauty of the world, has become the hallmark of a weekend cultural fest initiated by the West Bengal government in the eastern metropolis.

The cultural extravaganza christened 'Dekho-Rey' will be held across all weekends at Lal Dighi, the heritage water body adjacent to the British-era Writers' Building-the permanent seat of the state government-in the heart of the city.

The first edition kicked-off on Poila Baisakh on April 15 with food stalls serving Bengali delicacies against the backdrop of fountains and twinkling lights.

The water body is located in a two square kilometre plaza, formerly known as Dalhousie Square and now called ABenoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh, ringed by historic edifices including the red-brick Writers' Building.

Because the water reflects the surrounding red brick buildings, the body is popularly known as 'Lal Dighi' or red tank.

In keeping with the classic spirit of the plaza, the weekend gala promises to showcase indigenous folk music and culture of the state.

A platform has been put up to encourage musicians to perform while tourists and locals can soak in the ambience of colonial era Kolkata over plates of fish and chips and biriyanis.

While announcing the initiative, State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said Ray's "Dekho Rey", rendered by Anup Ghoshal in the iconic film "Goopy Gayen Bagha Bayen" is very close to her heart and hence she named the event after it.

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