Three-day Ananda Utsav begins in UK

Ananda Utsav has socio-cultural and economic implications on Bengalis spread all over the world.

London: Lyricist Gulzar and playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy were among the celebrities to attend the inauguration of `Ananda Utsav`, a three day festival of Indian music here.

"The Ananda Utsav has social, cultural and economic implications on Bengalis spread all over the world in these days of globalization and technological advancement," said Dipankar Das Purkayastha, Managing Director and CEO of Ananda Bazar Patrika. Lauding the efforts of Ananda Bazar Patrika in organising the festival, Lord Dolar Popat of the Conservative Party said: "Ananda Bazar is extending the cultural boundary beyond India." Subbalakshmi Khan, wife of sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, described Kolkata as the music capital of India and said she was happy that the music of Bengal is spreading beyond the country`s borders. Popular Bollywood playback singer Hariharan and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, his sons Amaan Ali Khan-Ayaan Ali Khan and Bollywood playback singer Shaan are also slated to perform. PTI