ANEEK'S KHWAISHEIN-BEST MUSIC ALBUM AWARD! - Page 9

BY DEEPINDER S. ANAND

NORWALK, CA - Dakshini Bengali Association of Southern California celebrated Durga Puja with great enthusiasm from Oct.17 to 19 at the Excelsior Auditorium on Pioneer Blvd here. Each year Puja is performed to protect human beings from evil and for divine guidance. The association has been organizing this event for the last 24 years.

Ajoy K. Dube, Program Director said this was the most successful puja program the association had organized and for the first time, mega stars were invited to keep the audience entertainment.

Usha Uthup, well known Indian pop singer performed for three hours on Oct. 17. She sang in different languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi and some South Indian languages too. Uthap mesmerized the audience with her voice compelling every one to dance to her tunes.

A grand musical extravaganza was held on Oct. 18, where Aneek Dhar, 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' 2007 Champion and Indian Idol Semi-finalist Keka Ghoshak performed. The 3 hours performance rocked the hall. Avijit Mitra, Secretary of the association described Aneek as an inspirational singer and said he won the hearts of everybody. Dr. Ranendra Dutta commenting said Aneek was simply superb.

Aneek, while reacting to the response he got in L.A. said he has performed at Dallas and San Francisco during this visit, but Los Angeles was the greatest!
Durga Puja was performed on Oct. 19, followed by entertainment by local artistes. Emcees Ridhi Chakrobarty and Sampurana Dube performed their role outstandingly.

President of the Association, Anupam Sukul said that nearly 2000 families of Bengali origin reside in South California and Durga Puja is the most important of all functions for the community. He extended his wholehearted thanks to the community for their help in making the program a success.

Vice President Dr. Samath Chattaraj said the program broke all previous records and thanked the executive committee and volunteers for working tirelessly.