West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has once again showcased her creative flair by penning the lyrics for the theme song of a prestigious Durga Puja committee in Kolkata.
This special theme song was created for the Tala Prattoy Durga Puja, a committee celebrating its monumental centenary year. The beautifully crafted lyrics by Chief Minister Banerjee were brought to life by the voice of State Minister for Tourism and Information and Cultural Affairs, Indranil Sen.
Titled ‘Bij Angan‘ (meaning ‘seeds in the courtyard’), the song was officially unveiled by the organizers. Dhrubajyoti Bose Suvo, one of the key organizers, shared his enthusiasm: “As Tala Prattoy celebrates its hundredth anniversary, ‘Bij Angan’ stands as a heartfelt homage to the timeless spirit of Durga Puja and Bengal’s rich cultural legacy. We are incredibly honored that our esteemed Chief Minister composed this exceptional song for our centenary, and Indranil Sen’s rendition is simply splendid.”
This isn’t Chief Minister Banerjee’s first venture into music; she has a tradition of composing songs for the festive season over the last several years, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.
In addition to her musical contribution, Chief Minister Banerjee recently convened a State Cabinet meeting where she issued clear directives to her ministers. She emphasized the critical need for them to closely monitor their respective constituencies throughout the Durga Puja festival, ensuring robust law and order and preventing any potential disruptions to peace.
As the chairperson of the Trinamool Congress, she is also set to begin inaugurating several major Durga Puja pandals across the state. These grand celebrations are not just West Bengal’s largest festival; they also serve as a significant platform for political parties to connect with the public and engage in widespread outreach.
Further highlighting the festival’s importance, the Chief Minister announced a financial aid of ₹1.10 lakh for approximately 43,000 community pujas throughout the state. This substantial support is projected to incur an expense of ₹500 crore for the state exchequer, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the festivities.
The West Bengal government proudly asserts that the Durga Puja festival plays a crucial role in stimulating the state’s economy. A 2021 report by the British Council underscored this, valuing the festival’s creative economy at over ₹32,377 crore and noting its significant contribution of 2.58% to West Bengal’s GDP.
Adding to its global recognition, UNESCO formally inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2021, cementing its status as a globally significant cultural event.