Kolkata: Like previous years, the state government will award the best Puja committees across the state for their performance in several segments this year. On Tuesday, Minister of State (MoS) for the Information and Cultural Affairs and Tourism department Indranil Sen announced that Puja committees can register for the competition till September 26. Sen stated that the number of Puja committees winning awards may increase in 2019. He also informed that this year, the Durga Puja Carnival will take place at Red Road on October 11, while the winners will be announced soon after the Puja. "Like previous years, this year Biswa Bangla Sarad Somman will be awarded to the best Pujas in 11 categories. There will be a panel of 64 eminent people who would judge and decide the best Pujas, a day before announcement," said Sen. The minister added that the entry form for Biswa Bangla Sarad Somman will be available from the Tathyakendra. Puja committees across the city can apply online as well. However, the Puja committees in the districts will have to collect the application form from the office of the District Information and Cultural officer and Sub-Divisional Information and Cultural officer. Bengalis across the country and abroad will also participate in the competition like previous years and their applications will be received online. Sen also said: "The Durga Puja Carnival is getting famous every year. During the time of the carnival, many people come to Kolkata to witness the historic event from other parts of India, as well as from abroad."

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