West Bengal Chief Minister Inaugurates Durga Puja, Celebrates Bengali Language’s Classical Status

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 03.10.24, Kolkata : The air is alive with the spirit of Durga Puja as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the festivities on Thursday, marking the onset of the cherished Bengali festival. The morning was filled with the sweet fragrance of Shiuli flowers and the rhythmic beats of Dhak, bringing joy to hearts across Bengal.

In her address, Chief Minister Banerjee expressed, “The arrival of Maa Katyayani resonates in every home, heralding a season of joy and celebration.” She highlighted various local pujas, including Tala Pratya, 25 Palli, 74 Palli, Alipur Sarvajanin, and more, acknowledging the collective effort in organizing these vibrant festivities.

Amidst the celebrations, the Chief Minister also presented stunning photo montages capturing the day's virtuous moments. Notably, she announced a significant victory for the Bengali community: after a long struggle, the Government of India has officially recognized Bengali as a classical language.

“Today, our dream has come true,” she proclaimed. “Despite previous exclusions, our persistent efforts, supported by extensive research submitted to the Ministry of Culture, have finally paid off. It is a proud moment for all of us as Bengali language receives the recognition it rightfully deserves.”

This announcement not only marks a milestone for the language but also reinforces the cultural pride that surrounds the Durga Puja festivities.