ARRANGEMENTS WERE made for the ‘Maha Yajna’ on Tuesday evening at the newly built Jagannath temple in the seaside tourist town of Digha in Purba Medinipur, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took part in the rituals a day before its inauguration. Banerjee emphasised that “everyone is our guest.”

The Jagannath temple, a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, Odisha, will be inaugurated on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of ‘Akshaya Trithiya’. Digha is around 350 km from Puri.

The massive event, drawing parallels to the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya last year, has been interpreted by some as a significant effort by Chief Minister Banerjee to solidify her image as a leader who embraces all communities, addressing previous allegations of minority appeasement.

Digha has got a makeover as it turned into the host of a grand religious event. Roads have been closed to vehicular traffic and replaced by meticulously laid blue carpets. Giant screens, posters and creative depictions of Lord Jagannath adorned almost every corner of the town on Tuesday.

The air resonated with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ played on loudspeakers and the streets were illuminated by dazzling lights and embellished with flower decorations. Shelters and drinking water arrangements catered to the large number of people — including VIPs, dignitaries and local residents — who thronged the area.

On Tuesday afternoon, Banerjee participated in a Mahayagna at the temple. She performed the aarti and the Purnahuti ceremony commenced at 4:15 pm. The CM was accompanied by Rajesh Dwaitapati, a Puri Jagannath temple serviceman, and Radharman Das, vice president of ISKCON, Bengal.

Following the Purnahuti, the CM addressed the crowd, emphasizing inclusivity and spiritual connection. “People of all religions and castes have come here. Everyone is our guest. Religion is never preached verbally. Religion is something that touches the heart…I am praying for everyone,” she said.