Woodlands organises a pandal hopping day out for little Durgas
Woodlands Hospital felt privileged taking 30 little Durgas from two NGO homes on a pandal hopping trip around Kolkata on Tuesday, Dwitiya of Durga Puja.
“KhudederPujo Safar (Puja Trip of the Tiny Tots)”, a highly anticipated initiative by Woodlands in collaboration with Hope Kolkata Foundation, started off from the hospital premises, where nurses presented each child with a sash, celebrating their remarkable fortitude and grit. Mr Rupak Barua, managing director & CEO, Woodlands, assured the NGO of continuing medical support going forward. The kids, in an earnest gesture, gifted him a handmade “Thank You” card that showcased fine craftsmanship and penmanship.
The “tiny tots” excitedly boarded the bus for the tour, and matched steps to songs like “Kamala Sundari Nache”, “SibthakurerGolae Dole”, alongside latest Bollywood tracks. They seemed to greatly enjoy the journey, converting the vehicle into a vibrant dance floor, with the children showing their best moves as colourful disco lights flashed throughout. The first pit stop was at Tridhara, where the wonderful decor on the theme “Angan”, depicting the courtyard of an artist’s dreams, with huge, actual paintings and lots of colours and artistry, thrilled the children.
The children had their first tryst with inaugurating a puja when they raised the curtain on a 12ft Durga idol made entirely of dark chocolate at Holiday Inn, New Town. Marvelling at the intricate designs and immense creativity on display, their eyes went wide in wonder.
The last stop of the day, AhiritolaSarbojanin, opened for the kids a window to the unknown world of how north Kolkata looked in the days gone by, with letter boxes, hand drawn posters and barges sailing on the Ganges, fulfilling the objective to provide an understanding of the culture and history of Kolkata.
“At Woodlands Hospital, we believe in nurturing not just health but hope. Today, we are honoured to share the joy of Durga Puja with these remarkable girls, reminding them that they are valued and cherished members of our community. It is our mission to uplift and empower all sections of society, and this endeavour is a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience that Ma Durga stands for and is present within us all,” said Mr Rupak Barua, Managing Director & CEO, Woodlands Hospital.