Cyclothon and cultural events held in Howrah to promote voter awareness

Kolkata: With Election Commission of India (ECI) conducting Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Outreach, a Cyclothon was organized in Howrah on Friday morning to create vote related awareness, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. In addition, popular animated character Chhota Bheem was used to boost voter awareness. A special tramcar ride will also be conducted from Esplanade as part of its state-wide Voter Awareness Campaign.

The cycle rally was flagged off at 7 AM from the Howrah Bridge Check Post and proceeded via the Rail Museum, before concluding at Ramkrishnapur Ferry Ghat. Cyclothon was followed by several cultural programmes, which emphasized the importance of voting and the festive spirit of elections were conveyed through folk songs, dance, and drama. Various other SVEEP initiatives were also kick-started, including a voter awareness boat ferry, ECI said.

In Howrah district, the event commenced with a Cyclothon that witnessed participation from a large number of school and college students, first-time and young voters, and officials from ECI, the CEO’s office, CP, DEO, and other departments, ECI said.


The campaign, titled “Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal Ka Garv," seeks to make the electoral process more inclusive, engaging and accessible, especially for young and first-time voters. Special emphasis is being placed on integrating the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal, including Kalighat painting, Pattachitra art, Chhau dance, Jatra theatre, and Baul folk traditions, into voter awareness communication.

These initiatives aim to reinforce fear-free, inducement-free, and informed participation of all stakeholders in the electoral process. The SVEEP events are being organised in line with the overarching theme, “Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal Ka Garv.”