The much-anticipated Greatest Show on Earth (GSOE) Awards, organized by The Greatest Show on Earth, a Union Ministry of Tourism-recognized entity, celebrated the grandeur of Durga Puja by honouring puja committees with budgets of Rs 60 lakh and below. This prestigious event focused on recognizing the contributions of idol artists, theme designers, and lighting artists, highlighting their creativity and craftsmanship that brought the iconic festival to life.
Mr Arnab Basu, co-founder of GSOE said “The GSOE Awards nurture talent whereby giving 60 percent of the prize money to idol artists, theme designers, and lighting artists, aiming to empower them.”
Bodhisattva Banerjee, another co-founder of the organisation said, “This year, more than 350 participants registered. After screening, 12 finalists were selected by the GSOE team from which eight were declared for the titles.”
The star-studded judging panel included popular actors Rajatabh Dutta, Priyanka Sarkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sourav Das, alongside international representatives Ian Taylor from Manchester, UK, and a four-member French delegation. Representatives from Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, former IFA Chairman, and George Telegraph MD were also part of the panel.
The top winners include Ahiritola Sarbojanin and Hatibagan Sarbojanin for the Best Theme. In Best Art and Environment category, the judges selected Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha as first followed by Bosepukur Shitala Mandir. The Best Statue category went to Dum Dum Park Tarun Dal in the first spot and Kashibose Lane in second spot. Among the other prominent awards included Best Kolkata Puja which went to Rajdanga Nabodaya Sangha, Best Surprise of the Year was given to Kankurgachi Chalantika Club and Lalabagan Nabankur.
Meanwhile, The GSOE Awards expanded their reach beyond Kolkata this year, recognizing excellence in districts like Howrah, Kalyani, and Baruipur, with Mandirtala General Durgotsab Committee, Kalyani A9 Square and Pragati Sangha respectively.
The grand finale of this cultural festival is set to take place on October 27 at the historic Khelat Ghosh Rajbari in Pathuriaghata, where the trophies will be presented by GSOE co-founders, international representative Ian Taylor, actress Ditipriya Roy, and actor Rajdeep Gupta.