Quick Summary
- Song composition by CM: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee composed the lyrics for the theme song of Tala Prattoy Durga Puja’s centenary festivity. The song, titled ‘Bij Angan’, was sung by State Minister Indranil Sen.
- Centenary Celebration: The theme song was inaugurated on September 18, 2025, as a tribute to Durga Puja and Bengal’s heritage.
- Government Directions During Festival: Ms. Banerjee instructed her Ministers to monitor constituencies during the festival to maintain peace and law order.
- State Financial Support for Pujas: The Chief Minister announced ₹1.10 lakh each for approximately 43,000 community pujas in West Bengal, amounting to an estimated total expenditure of ₹500 crore by the government.
- Economic Impact of durga puja (2021): A report valued the creative economy of Durga Puja at over ₹32,377 crore (2.58% of West Bengal’s GDP),showcasing its economic importance.
- UNESCO Recognition: Kolkata’s Durga Puja was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2021.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The artistic involvement of prominent political figures like CM Mamata Banerjee highlights how cultural events like Durga Puja are deeply intertwined with public life in West Bengal. Her lyrical contribution to a centennial celebration underscores both her personal engagement with tradition and its resonance as a community event.
The government’s allocation of considerable funds for community pujas reflects a clear prioritization toward fostering cultural vibrancy while promoting economic activity through tourism and related industries. While such expenditure may have financial implications given its scale-₹500 crore-it aligns with data from earlier reports suggesting that this festival substantially bolsters regional GDP.Balancing festivity with law enforcement remains essential during large-scale public events like Durga Puja. As political outreach often intersects these celebrations, maintaining neutrality amidst diverse groups will be vital for smooth execution and collective harmony.
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