West Bengal: PM Modi Extends Shubho Mahalaya Greetings, Prays for Strength and Joy Ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata, September 21, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Mahalaya, marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities. In his message, the Prime Minister prayed for strength and joy for all, emphasizing the significance of the festival in fostering unity and cultural harmony across the country. Mahalaya, observed on September 21 this year, signifies the end of Pitru Paksha and the commencement of Devi Paksha, leading up to the grand celebration of Durga Puja. In West Bengal, Mahalaya holds immense cultural and spiritual importance. It is traditionally marked by the broadcast of "Mahishasura Mardini" on All India Radio, a rendition that resonates deeply with the people, heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga. This year, the state witnessed a surge in enthusiasm as communities prepared for the grand Durga Puja celebrations, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating several puja pandals across Kolkata and other districts. The Chief Minister's initiative aims to promote cultural heritage and foster community participation in the festivities. However, the political landscape saw some tensions as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of inaugurating puja pandals ahead of Mahalaya, alleging that it was an attempt to garner votes ahead of the upcoming elections. The BJP's criticism was met with a strong rebuttal from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which defended the Chief Minister's actions as part of her commitment to preserving and promoting Bengali culture. The controversy has sparked debates across the state, with political analysts observing that the timing of the inaugurations has added a layer of complexity to the festive season. In the realm of education, the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBSSC) released the provisional answer keys for the Class 11 and 12 recruitment examinations. Candidates have been given an opportunity to raise objections until September 25, providing a window for transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. This move is expected to enhance trust in the state's educational administrative systems. On a somber note, IIT Kharagpur reported the death of a student, Harsh Kumar Pandey, marking the fifth suspected suicide case at the institution this year. The incident has raised concerns about student mental health and well-being, prompting calls for enhanced support systems and counseling services within educational institutions. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and are expected to implement measures to address mental health issues among students. As West Bengal ushers in the Durga Puja season, the state is witnessing a blend of spiritual fervor, cultural celebrations, and political dynamics. The coming days are anticipated to be filled with vibrant festivities, community engagements, and discussions that reflect the state's rich heritage and evolving socio-political landscape.