Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, referring to the fact that people have already started thronging Durga Puja pandals, stressed the reason Unesco has declared Durga Puja an intangible cultural heritage of humanity was because of the huge participation of its people — numbering in crores.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 41 Pally Durga Puja at Haridevpur, Banerjee said there were reports that people have already begun celebrating the puja.“I have reports that people have already started visiting pandals. Sujit (fire minister Sujit Bose) called to say that the crowd on Thursday is looking like an Ashtami crowd. I had inaugurated the festival at Sreebhumi earlier,” she said.
She said some people were saying that Ashtami and Nabami are on the same day while others are saying they are on separate days. “But if you ask me, I will say join the celebrations on all four days. The carnival is on the 15th. Over 100 idols will remain for that day,” the CM said.
At the inauguration of the Tala Prottoy puja, the CM said, “What Bengal can do, the rest of the world cannot. Crores and crores of people join this (Durga Puja). Thus, I keep saying that the word ‘Utsab’ (festival) is based on ‘Utsarito’ (sourced) from the people.”
At Hindustan Club, the CM offered her best wishes for Navratri, reminding people that those who do not respect Bengal and try to inflict disrespect actually disrespect their own birthplace, which is like the mother. She also said the puja can have both sunny days and rain, and asked people to buy umbrellas and raincoats in advance. She, however, said there was nothing to worry about and that the rain will hold up after this weekend. However, since visitors go out to see the pandals at this time, there is concern they might face difficulties. Keeping that in mind, the CM said, “Let the calamity pass. Let everyone enjoy themselves. There is no need to worry.”
At 21 Pally, Banerjee said she had inaugurated 350 district pujas on Tuesday and is set to inaugurate another 800 district pujas online in the next couple of days.
At Behala Club, Banerjee refused to take relief material for the flood-affected offered by the organizers, telling them that arrangements have been made. She said she will ask for it when it is required.