<p>Music has its own language which crosses all barriers and connects people, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday while inaugurating the 'Bangla Sangeet Mela.'</p>.<p>The annual music fair reflects the rich cultural mosaic of Bengal celebrating different genres of music - from folk music to modern songs, she said.</p>.<p>"Look at the turnout on stage, from legendary Sandhya Mukhopadhyay to Ustad Rashid Khan, Kaushiki Chakroborty, Ajoy Chakraborty. Everyone is present here," Banerjee said.</p>.<p>"From Usha Uthup to Kumar Shanu and Abhijit Bhattacharya - everyone has come on the podium at today's inauguration. All these names have given a distinct cultural edge, a unique identity to Bengal and made us proud with their creativity," the CM said.</p>.<p>She said 5,000 artistes will take part in cultural functions to be held across the city till December 12.</p>.<p>Indian pop icon Usha Uthup, singer-composer Jeet Gannguli, singers Abhijit Bhattacharya, Kumar Shanu were chosen for the 'Bisesh Sangeet Mahasamman' honour at the inaugural function.</p>.<p>Bisesh Sangeet Samman and Sangeet Samman awards were also given to several singers - both from present and earlier generations - on the occasion.</p>.<p>Sandhya Mukhopadhyay rendered 'Ganga stotro' (hymns) and a few lines of a film song when she was felicitated by the chief minister.</p>.<p>At a particular moment, Kaushiki Chakraborty started singing a thumri and was joined by Ustad Rashid Khan, Pt Ajoy Chakraborty and even Bollywood singer Abhijit to thunderous applause of the audience.</p>.<p>"I love you Kolkata," Uthup crooned as the audience cheered.</p>.<p>"This is the power of music," the CM commented.</p>.<p>The CM also inaugurated the 'Biswa Bangla Lok Sanskriti Utsab', to celebrate the folk music of the state, which will take place from December 5 to 8.</p>
<p>Music has its own language which crosses all barriers and connects people, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday while inaugurating the 'Bangla Sangeet Mela.'</p>.<p>The annual music fair reflects the rich cultural mosaic of Bengal celebrating different genres of music - from folk music to modern songs, she said.</p>.<p>"Look at the turnout on stage, from legendary Sandhya Mukhopadhyay to Ustad Rashid Khan, Kaushiki Chakroborty, Ajoy Chakraborty. Everyone is present here," Banerjee said.</p>.<p>"From Usha Uthup to Kumar Shanu and Abhijit Bhattacharya - everyone has come on the podium at today's inauguration. All these names have given a distinct cultural edge, a unique identity to Bengal and made us proud with their creativity," the CM said.</p>.<p>She said 5,000 artistes will take part in cultural functions to be held across the city till December 12.</p>.<p>Indian pop icon Usha Uthup, singer-composer Jeet Gannguli, singers Abhijit Bhattacharya, Kumar Shanu were chosen for the 'Bisesh Sangeet Mahasamman' honour at the inaugural function.</p>.<p>Bisesh Sangeet Samman and Sangeet Samman awards were also given to several singers - both from present and earlier generations - on the occasion.</p>.<p>Sandhya Mukhopadhyay rendered 'Ganga stotro' (hymns) and a few lines of a film song when she was felicitated by the chief minister.</p>.<p>At a particular moment, Kaushiki Chakraborty started singing a thumri and was joined by Ustad Rashid Khan, Pt Ajoy Chakraborty and even Bollywood singer Abhijit to thunderous applause of the audience.</p>.<p>"I love you Kolkata," Uthup crooned as the audience cheered.</p>.<p>"This is the power of music," the CM commented.</p>.<p>The CM also inaugurated the 'Biswa Bangla Lok Sanskriti Utsab', to celebrate the folk music of the state, which will take place from December 5 to 8.</p>