CM Mamata begins Durga puja inauguration; highlights harassment of Bengali migrant workers
In Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kicked off Durga Puja celebrations on Saturday by inaugurating several vibrant pandals. She seized the moment to champion unity in diversity, urging people to come together amid the festival’s joyful spirit.
At the Sreebhumi Durga Puja pandal, Banerjee spotlighted the ongoing harassment faced by Bengali-speaking migrant workers across India. “In Bengal, we all celebrate Durga Puja as one big family, no matter our backgrounds,” she said. “One person might call their mother ‘Maa,’ while another says ‘Amma’—but the love and respect stay the same. I honor my mother tongue, and I expect the same for Bengali. No one should target our migrant workers. We must stand united against any plots to divide us, or the nation could fracture. Remember, Bengal is India’s heart—let’s cherish its culture, songs, and creativity.”
Banerjee also warned festival-goers about the unpredictable weather, especially with rains in nearby states like Jharkhand and Bihar potentially causing floods in West Bengal. “Stay alert and dry—don’t get caught in the downpour,” she advised. “We’re monitoring everything closely. Bengal’s location makes us vulnerable to such issues from overflowing reservoirs. Fingers crossed for a rain-free Durga Puja, as millions can’t wait to join the festivities.”
Looking ahead, the chief minister shared exciting plans: she’ll inaugurate around 3,000 Durga Puja events before the five-day festival begins, mostly through virtual ceremonies. On Mahalaya Sunday, which kicks off Devi Paksha, 17 songs penned by her will debut, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.
Later that afternoon, Banerjee visited the Hatibagan Durga Puja and Tala Prottoy Puja pandals. “I’m just opening these stunning setups today—they showcase Bengal’s rich heritage and artistic flair,” she noted. “The actual deity unveilings wait for Mahalaya, when Devi Paksha truly arrives.”
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