Kolkata prisoners to perform in Mumbai Durga puja

Sixty-four prisoners serving out sentences at the Presidency and Alipore correctional homes in Kolkata will dazzle devotees and people celebrating Durga Puja in Mumbai, an official organising the event said Friday.

The under-trials, who will be on parole, are set to perform at four different Durga Puja locations in the maximum city. They are being given rehearsals by renowned danseuse Aloknanda Roy, whose "Mokshgati - The life of king Ashoka" will be performed.

Roy, who choreographed and conceived the dance-drama, has earlier directed the critically acclaimed "Balmiki Pratibha."

"They will perform at four prominent Bengali Durga puja celebrations from Oct 10 to Oct 13," Sharmila Sarkar, joint secretary of Navi Mumbai Bengali Association (NMBA), the organisers of the event, told IANS.

Accompanying the performer-jailbirds are 40 police officers.

"The interesting aspect of the performance is that part of it will be a visual, and rest will be live," said Sarkar, adding there are over 400 Durga Pujas organised each year in Mumbai.

Durga Puja, the biggest festival of Bengalis, will be celebrated Oct 9-14 this year.