Latest news with #DurgaPuja
News18
18 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Jai Shri Ram Vs Jai Ma Kali: BJP Looks To Connect With Bengali 'Asmita', TMC Mocks 'Imitation'
TMC plans to set a narrative that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram', has been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali' under its influence The day Samik Bhattacharya was picked and felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, the presence of Ma Kali's image on stage had sparked wide discussions. Now, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Durgapur, the display of Matri Shakti (divine feminine power) was seen in full force. Starting his speech in Durgapur, PM Modi raised the slogans 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai," followed by 'Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali". Not only did he raise these chants during his address, but this time, the BJP's official invitation also carried the words 'Jai Ma Durga" and 'Jai Ma Kali". Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to take up the issue strongly. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, 'The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her government—Maa, Mati, Manush. It was there, it is there, and it will remain. But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him." He added, 'Today, one good thing we observed was that 'Jai Shri Ram' was not uttered even once." TMC insiders reveal that the party plans to set a narrative suggesting that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram", has now been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" under TMC's influence. The party intends to position itself as understanding Bengali culture deeply, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely imitating them. However, this theory is countered by another section of political analysts who argue that BJP's strategy is to connect with Bengali asmita (pride)—similar to their approach in Odisha—although the models in both states differ significantly. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently tried to align with Bengali cultural identity. This time, their focus on the Bengali Renaissance and cultural heritage is aimed at appealing to the bhadra lok (educated middle class). Chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" resonate deeply with the masses of Bengal, experts say, and this is part of BJP's strategy to establish a cultural connect. However, they clarify that this does not imply 'Jai Shri Ram" is losing relevance. After all, Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana [worship of goddess Durga] by Lord Ram, establishing a strong narrative link. Experts assert that BJP's Bengali asmita agenda is clear—the party will continue to weave cultural, religious, and regional pride into its political messaging in every possible way. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
No Durga Puja restrictions, clarifies Kolkata Police amid social media rumour
As the city gets ready for Durga Puja 2025, Kolkata Police has issued a public advisory urging people not to fall for fake news being circulated online about restrictions on celebrations. The advisory comes in response to misleading social media posts claiming that the police have issued directions to stop or limit Durga Puja festivities at certain REALITY? NO SUCH ORDER EXISTS. Kolkata Police debunks Durga Puja 2025 restriction rumours. Key details 'There is no directive to halt or restrict any Durga Puja celebrations,' Kolkata Police confirmed in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter).WHY ARE THESE CROWD PLANS BEING MADE THEN?What's actually happening is standard procedure. During Durga Puja, high footfall pandals, like those in North and South Kolkata, often draw thousands of visitors every hour. To ensure smooth movement and reduce overcrowding, the police chalk out crowd circulation plans. These aren't new. Every year, Kolkata Police works with organisers to plan the flow of people, especially at top-billed pujas like Bagbazar, Ekdalia, Deshapriya Park, and Sreebhumi. These steps help in handling medical emergencies, preventing stampedes, and ensuring a better experience for everyone.'These measures are preventive in nature and should not be misconstrued as interference in traditional observances or community celebrations,' the advisory SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS CREATING PANICIn the past few days, screenshots and voice notes have been doing the rounds on WhatsApp and social media claiming that Kolkata Police plans to stop late-night entry into pandals or shut down big-budget pujas due to 'crowd risks.'NONE OF THESE CLAIMS ARE TRUEOfficials have clearly asked citizens to rely only on verified information and avoid forwarding unverified content. 'We request all citizens to stay informed through official channels and avoid sharing unverified or misleading content,' the statement SPIRIT REMAINS INTACT, WITH SAFETY IN PLACEKolkata's Durga Puja is a UNESCO-recognised cultural celebration, and the city takes great pride in hosting it every year. The police have reassured pandal organisers and the public that all festivities will go on as control, traffic planning, emergency services, and civic partnerships are part of the blueprint that makes Durga Puja one of the most organised festivals in the if you're planning to visit the pandals this year, you don't need to worry about any last-minute changes — but **keep an eye on official police handles** for any genuine updates.- Ends
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Tripura announces mega recruitment drive to fill up over 1,600 positions before Durga Puja
Two months ahead of the Durga Puja, the Tripura government on Tuesday announced a recruitment drive to fill up over 1,600 posts in different departments including those of education and health. Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat in Agartala, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the Cabinet resolved to recruit 700 graduate and 915 postgraduate teachers. 'These decisions were adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha. We all know that there is a shortage of postgraduate teachers in schools and that's why the education department has decided to recruit postgraduate teachers for these schools. The Teachers' Recruitment Board of Tripura will conduct the recruitment,' he said. Saha later wrote on X, 'State cabinet approves recruitment of 700 Graduate Teachers (GT) to strengthen our education system and ensure quality education for all. We are committed to provide employment opportunities and march for the Shrestha Tripura.' The recruitment drive is expected to address a teacher shortage that the Opposition CPM has attributed to the retrenchment of 10,323 teachers positions over faulty recruitment done during the erstwhile Left Front rule. The cabinet also decided to fill up 37 posts including those of professor, associate professor, assistant professor, deputy registrar, assistant registrar, in National Law University. Six posts of dental medical officers will be filled up under the health department. 'The recruitment process to fill up 37 posts would be done by the National Law University as per their recruitment rules. The recruitment of the medical officers would be done through the Tripura Public Service Commission,' said Chowdhury.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhojpuri actor Akshara surrenders in court, gets bail
Begusarai: Bhojpuri actor Akshara Singh on Tuesday surrendered before a local court in a case related to not fulfilling her professional obligation. However, the court of first class judicial magistrate Om Prakash granted her bail on a surety bond of Rs 10,000. The actor arrived to surrender amid tight security on the court premises. Shivesh Mishra, a resident of Aahiyapur village under Mansoorchak police station area of the district, filed a complaint against Akshara for leaving the stage midway during a programme in Oct 2023 at Singhia Nagma village of the neighbouring Samastipur district. The event was organised as part of the Durga Puja celebrations. Shivesh's lawyer, Gopal Kumar, said on Tuesday that in April this year, the court issued a summon to the Bhojpuri actor. However, she surrendered before the court on Tuesday. "Shivesh, in his petition, accused Akshara of breach of professional obligation. She was paid Rs 5 lakh to perform in the show. However, during the programme, a few people threw currency notes on her at the stage. This angered her so much that she immediately left the stage. All assurances by the organisers regarding her safety at the programme failed to prevent her from leaving the show. Her father, Bipin Singh, who accompanied Akshara, is also charged with breach of contract," said Gopal.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
This Durga Puja season in Kolkata, American diamonds to add sparkle to goddess' eyes
Written by Anisha Ghosh This year's Durga Puja will have a sparkle of innovation from Indrajit Paul, an artisan from Kumortuli, North Kolkata. He has adorned Maa Durga's idol's eyes with special American diamonds. 'When the lights hit the goddess's eyes, the diamonds will reflect the rays, making it look illuminated as if it has come to life. It will give a 3-D effect, leaving the audience spellbound. No other stone can create the same effect,' Paul says. The idol stands tall at 11 feet and is priced between Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh. Out of all the idols the artist has made for this year, only one is left to be booked. Paul expects that the idol will be booked by Sunday. Many customers have already shown great interest in the idol with diamond-studded eyes after seeing the pictures. This is not the first time the artist has created something unique. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he came up with the idea of a 'Coronasur' a demon symbolising the coronavirus. He received wide media coverage, and even the Kolkata Knight Riders sent a team to shoot a documentary on it. 'This year, idol-making has been a bit difficult as the continuous rain has been making it hard, stretching the drying time of the idols. We are using the help of ceiling fans to dry it,' says Paul, who is also into short films. Paul also has a knack for writing scripts and directing films. During my free time, I write scripts and direct short films. As West Bengal is set to celebrate Durga Puja by the end of September, the diamond-eyed idol is expected to become a major attraction. (Anisha Ghosh is an intern with The Indian Express)
