The vibrant hues of spring came alive at the historic Shobhabazar Rajbari as the “Amra Chitrapremi” Photography Club hosted a grand celebration of colors, creativity, and camaraderie last Sunday. The festival brought together passionate photographers, models, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, transforming the iconic heritage site into a Vrindavan of beauty and artistic expression.
The event was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Subrata Banerjee (Head Priest of Ward No. 10), Mohan Gupta (Manada), Mrs. Universe 2019 Apsara Guha Thakurta, Pandit Mallar Ghosh, poet and orator Mallika Ghosh, Fuji Film Ambassador and Godox Mentor Argha Chatterjee, and Piyali Chatterjee. The gathering was also graced by notable personalities like Rajiv Mukherjee, Anuja Mukherjee, Raja Mukherjee, Paramita Bose, Gargi Gupta, Sanjay Pal, Stanley Dutta, Shyam Sundar Das, Surjit Sarkar (Mama), Moumita Banerjee, Ankan Banerjee, Priya Sen, Mala Roy, Suman Sardar, Chandika Kirtonia, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Rohit Saha, Rupankar Roy, Glamour X India CEO Piyush Sarkar, Dipanvita Kaur, Saikat, Sharmistha Ghosh, Bangladeshi model Yami Nusrat, Piyal Roychowdhury, and actress-model Madhumita Gupta.
Although Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister for Women’s Welfare, was unable to attend due to administrative commitments, she conveyed her best wishes through a representative, Purpita Subrata Banerjee, who read out her message, expressing appreciation for the initiative.
A Celebration of Art, Heritage, and Culture
The festival beautifully blended history with modern artistic expression. Renowned photographer Argha Chatterjee, attending for the first time, praised the initiative, calling it a “unique and significant arrangement.” Mohan Gupta (Manada) highlighted the historical importance of Shobhabazar Rajbari, recalling that Swami Vivekananda was given a civic reception on these very premises after his return from Chicago. He emphasized the essence of spring as a festival of unity and connection, likening it to the traditional Bengali Dol Yatra.
The cultural segment of the event was a mesmerizing spectacle. The evening began with the melodious ‘Sur Tal Chand’, followed by captivating performances of soulful songs and classical dance. The highlight was the dance performance of the song ‘Ore Grihabasi Khol Dwar Khol’ by the young and talented Adyashri Chatterjee, leaving the audience spellbound. Sanchita Mukherjee’s soulful renditions further enriched the festive atmosphere.
Exciting Contests and Captivating Photography Sessions
Adding to the excitement, Krishna Saja competitions, beauty pageants, and quizzes were organized in collaboration with Iconic, News Bengal Online, and BK News, with prizes awarded to participants.
Throughout the day, the photographers captured stunning portraits of models against the architectural grandeur of Shobhabazar Rajbari. As the sun set, the golden glow of lights and the flashbulbs of cameras created an ethereal setting, immortalizing the essence of spring through the lens.
With colors, creativity, music, and shared joy, “Amra Chitrapremi” successfully ushered in the spirit of spring, making this event a cherished experience for all art and photography enthusiasts.