Mamata inaugurates music festival, says it will remove pain' of people

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday inaugurated an eight-day music festival "Bangla Sangeet Mela" to be held in various parts of city and in north Bengal.

While the festival starts on Wednesday and ends on December 21 in the city, in north Bengal it will take place from 16th to 18th this month.

Speaking at the inaugural, the chief minister said, "We are saddened, we are hurt but music will help us stay afloat", keeping many in the audience wondering if she referred to centre's demonetisation move.

In north Bengal, the programmes will be held in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Siliguri. Banerjee also awarded 18 artistes of different musical genres.