Puja after paribartan: What is changing in West Bengal’s biggest festival
West Bengal's Durga Puja festival is undergoing significant cultural and political shifts following the BJP's rise to power in the state. Traditional government-led carnivals are being replaced by new events, reflecting the changing political landscape in India.
Why it matters
Durga Puja is a massive cultural and economic event in India; changes to its administration highlight the intersection of regional identity and national political shifts.
One of the enduring memories of the Mamata Banerjee era in West Bengal will be the elaborate Durga Puja carnival, where handpicked baro pujos (marquee pujas) would parade along Red Road with tableaux before the CM and other dignitaries in an almost Republic Day-esque procession. It would often end with Mamata Banerjee doing an impromptu jig with the crème de la crème of the Bengali film industry.The carnival has been scrapped. Instead, a pre-Puja event will be held at the iconic Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, October 10, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend. These and many other changes are expected as West Bengal counts down to the homecoming of the Goddess.This year marks a significant break in Bengal's politics. The BJP government took office on May 9, making this its first Durga Puja in power in the state. And some changes are already in motion.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in