Mamata Banerjee Celebrates 47th Year of Kali Puja Tradition at Kalighat Residence, Unveils Festive Song for Bengal

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 31, 2024, Kolkata :  As Bengal immerses itself in the grand festivities of Kali Puja, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to uphold her longstanding family tradition of Kali worship at her Kalighat residence. This year marks the 47th consecutive celebration of the Kali Puja at her home, a ritual initiated in 1978 by her mother, Gayatri Devi, that continues to be observed with fervor and devotion. The Chief Minister’s residence on Harish Chatterjee Street is a lively hub of activity, bustling with last-minute preparations as it readies to welcome guests and devotees alike.

As a striking departure from her daily role as Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee personally oversees every detail of the puja, bringing a familial warmth to the celebration. Known for her hands-on approach, Banerjee can be seen organizing everything from the arrangement of the shrine to preparing traditional dishes in the kitchen. A devoted host, she ensures that each guest—from political figures to local friends and supporters—receives personal attention, adding a touch of homeliness to the festive occasion.

This year’s puja promises to attract a diverse gathering, with guests expected from various walks of life, including state bureaucrats, celebrities, sports icons, and locals. The Chief Minister's residence becomes a cultural melting pot, filled with the sounds and colors of celebration that highlight the spirit of community and inclusion central to the Kali Puja festival. The annual event at 30B, Harish Chatterjee Street is famously described as a tarakar haat—a constellation of stars—as personalities from across Bengal converge to pay homage to the goddess and honor the revered family tradition.

Adding a creative twist to this year’s celebration, Mamata Banerjee has also penned a new song commemorating Diwali and Kali Puja. The song, sung by state minister and accomplished singer Indranil Sen, has already captured the attention of Bengal’s residents and is being widely discussed and appreciated. Through this musical offering, the Chief Minister has extended her Diwali greetings to the people of Bengal, embodying a unique blend of leadership and artistry that reflects her deep cultural connection to the state.

The Kali Puja celebration at Mamata Banerjee's home has become an iconic tradition, blending spirituality, community, and a sense of belonging that has grown over decades. Banerjee, who is known for her dedication to her public duties throughout the year, takes this occasion to reconnect with family, friends, and the people of Bengal in a more personal setting, symbolizing unity and continuity.

As Kolkata illuminates with the festival’s dazzling lights, the Chief Minister’s home radiates warmth, reflecting Bengal’s rich cultural heritage and the strength of familial bonds. This cherished event reaffirms Mamata Banerjee's dual role as both a leader and a custodian of tradition, making the annual Kali Puja at her residence an enduring symbol of Bengal’s spirit.