Chinese consulate to sponsor China visit of Puja winners

Representational Image (Photo: Facebook)


The Chinese consulate here is partnering with a NGO to send some of the winning organisers of Durga puja pandals on a trip to China this year.

“We are working with an NGO, which works to encourage safety, security, beautification, eco-friendliness of the pandals. The NGO will also promote the visit to China.

“The organisers of pandals which will emerge as winners will be sent to China for a trip. We would sponsor a group of 10 people to visit China,” Chinese consul general in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said.

According to Ma Zhanwu, the pandals will be judged by a large group of people including ministers and other eminent citizens.

“The criteria will be painting, artistic elements, safety, security and environment friendly aspects that are used in Puja pandals,” Zhanwu said.

While noting that it is part of cultural exchanges between the two countries, Zhanwu said last year too such initiative was taken and 13 people from six pandals were taken to China.