West Bengal’s BJP government kicks off first Durga Puja celebration with mega event at Eden Gardens
The new BJP government in West Bengal held its first major Durga Puja event at Eden Gardens, attended by 40,000 people. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari emphasized adherence to religious traditions and criticized the previous administration's practices.
Why it matters
The event marks a significant political shift in West Bengal, highlighting the new government's focus on cultural and religious identity.
The West Bengal government organised a massive Durga Puja event at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday (October 10, 2026), with about 40,000 people in attendance. The much-awaited event on the occasion of Mahalaya marked the beginning of the first Durga Puja celebration of the Bharatiya Janata Party after taking power in the State.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was present at the event along with his Council of Ministers, said, “All Durga Pujas will follow the proper religious traditions this year,” taking a swipe at his predecessor Mamata Banerjee.
“This is the first time pujas have not been inaugurated before time. This is our tradition; everybody has to follow the religious scripture and traditions. Every religion has its own rules and regulations. No Chief Minister has enough power to change the dates of religious events on their own will,” Mr. Adhikari said.
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