Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates 2024 Kolkata Christmas Festival with Festive Spirit and Promises of Unity

Baby Charaborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 19, 2024: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee officially inaugurated the 2024 Kolkata Christmas Festival at Allen Park on Thursday, ushering in the season of joy and celebration for the city. The event, which coincides with the annual St. Xavier's College Christmas Festival, marked the beginning of the much-awaited festive season in Kolkata. The city is known for its unique blend of culture and tradition, and as the streets light up with colorful decorations, the aroma of festive delicacies fills the air, and the sound of carols echoes, a sense of warmth and togetherness sweeps through the community.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by a number of distinguished dignitaries, including the Archbishop of Kolkata, Most Reverend Thomas D'Souza, Reverend Dr. Paritosh Canning, Bishop of Kolkata, Church of North India, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, British Deputy High Commissioner Derek O’Brien, along with several other prominent figures.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her joy in joining the celebrations and highlighted the significance of the festival in bringing people together across communities. "It’s that time of the year again when Kolkata comes alive with the spirit of Christmas," she said, reflecting on the city's vibrant culture and the warmth of the festive season.

Banerjee also extended her gratitude to the festival organizers and the various agencies that made the event possible. She particularly thanked the Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the West Bengal Tourism Department for their exceptional logistical support, which ensured the smooth conduct of the celebrations.

The Kolkata Christmas Festival, which began in 2011, has grown exponentially in popularity over the years, becoming one of the city's most eagerly anticipated annual events. Chief Minister Banerjee, emphasizing the importance of maintaining such cherished traditions, said, "I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this event a grand success."

In a gesture of goodwill and celebration, Banerjee also virtually inaugurated the second edition of the Darjeeling Mellow Tea Fest, organized by the Darjeeling Police and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). As part of the festive spirit, she highlighted her efforts to illuminate 14 churches across the state, in collaboration with district magistrates, superintendents of police, and senior officials, marking this special occasion.

Among the churches illuminated was the Macfarlane Memorial Church of Kalimpong in the scenic hills of Darjeeling, further extending the joyous celebrations beyond Kolkata.

The Chief Minister concluded her address by wishing all residents peace and happiness during this festive season. "May this season bring joy, peace, and may the Almighty shower his abundant blessings on all of you," she said, offering a heartfelt prayer for the people of the state.

As the lights shine bright and the carols continue to fill the air, Kolkata is all set to embrace the warmth and joy of the Christmas season, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate this time of unity, love, and togetherness.