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News18
21-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Is ‘Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's ‘Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech
Last Updated: Mamata Banerjee asked, 'Why is it that you start remembering Ma Kali only during polls?" Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya questioned TMC's sudden love for Bengali Following Chief Minister (CM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee's speech at the Martyrs' Day rally on Monday, political circles in Bengal are abuzz with speculation that the proposed 'Durga Angan' is a direct counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent shift toward invoking Bengali religious symbols like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga' in its campaign narrative. During her speech, Banerjee asked pointedly, 'Why is it that you suddenly start remembering Ma Kali and Ma Durga only during the elections? Ma Durga is our revered goddess, and Durga Puja has even received international recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Now listen—just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year." This statement has made one thing clear: Banerjee is planning to construct a permanent, temple-like complex dedicated to Ma Durga, where devotees and tourists can visit year-round—an ambitious move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. BJP's shift from 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Matru Shakti' Experts observing Bengal's evolving political landscape say that the BJP, in its bid to connect more deeply with Bengali sentiments, has strategically shifted its religious rhetoric—from 'Jai Shri Ram' to symbols of Matru Shakti like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga'. TMC insiders believe Banerjee is not willing to let the BJP dominate this cultural-religious space. After promoting the Jagannath Temple project in Digha as an outreach to Hindu voters, she now seems focused on strengthening her connect with Bengal's core religious identity—centered on Ma Durga. While some local Durga temples exist, the scale and visibility of Durga Angan suggest a much larger political and cultural plan. Observers believe that the 2026 Assembly elections will revolve around three major themes: Bengali identity (Asmita), the alleged inclusion of bogus voters, and religious polarisation. Symbols like Ram, Ma Kali, Ma Durga, and temple-building will become significant talking points. Political analysts say the Jagannath temple initiative reflected Banerjee's attempt to reach out to Hindu voters amid accusations of minority appeasement. But Ma Durga and Ma Kali—iconic figures in Bengal's spiritual consciousness—strike a more emotional chord with the Bengali electorate. Durga Angan, therefore, is expected to be a key part of TMC's election strategy. 'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025 Mamata Banerjee launches Bengali language movement In a fresh political thrust, Banerjee has issued a clarion call for a Bengali Language Movement across the state beginning July 27. She has directed her MPs to stage a dharna outside Parliament in New Delhi to protest alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking citizens. According to the TMC, several Bengali speakers are being branded as illegal immigrants and are receiving NRC notices. Mamata declared: 'If they arrest more Bengalis, we will take this fight to Delhi. There will be another Bhasha Andolan. They can't harass people just for speaking Bengali." TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also announced that party MPs will begin delivering speeches in Bengali if necessary to assert linguistic rights. Mamata Banerjee threatens to gherao EC over SIR The Chief Minister also took aim at the Election Commission and raised alarms over the State Electoral Roll (SIR) issue, warning of voter list manipulation. She accused the BJP of winning in Maharashtra and Delhi by including bogus voters and deleting genuine ones. 'They have forcefully defeated the opposition in Maharashtra. In Bihar, they deleted names. If Bengal is next on their list, we will respond. I'm known for my movements. If names are deleted here, I will take to the streets again," Banerjee declared. Abhishek Banerjee reinforced this sentiment, saying, 'The BJP is unleashing two Es — Election Commission to control voters, and the Enforcement Directorate to silence opposition leaders." 'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025 Mamata Banerjee targets Assam, plans protest Taking a direct shot at Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Banerjee accused him of interfering in Bengal's affairs while failing to govern his own state. She instructed TMC leader Sushmita Dev to organize a major protest in Assam, stating: 'You can't manage Assam, but you're meddling in Bengal. We will all join a protest there." BJP hits back: TMC compromising national security Responding sharply, Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya alleged that the TMC is compromising national security by enabling the entry of Rohingyas. He questioned the TMC's sudden love for Bengali language, citing the Daribhit incident: 'Where was their Bengali pride when students were shot for demanding Bengali teachers in Daribhit? They won't be in power next year." As Bengal moves closer to the 2026 polls, it's clear that Bengali identity, religious symbolism, and electoral integrity will dominate the political narrative. Mamata's Durga Angan and her renewed push for linguistic rights are now central to the TMC's battle to retain power—setting the stage for a high-stakes ideological showdown. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Bharatiya Janata Party Mamata Banerjee news18 specials Trinamool Congress (TMC) view comments Location : Kolkata, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 18:28 IST News politics Is 'Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's 'Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech 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.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Puri upgrade to align it with modern tourism principles
Bhubaneswar: The announcement by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to upgrade Puri municipality into a municipal corporation and revamp the tourist infrastructure marks a crucial turning point for Odisha's premier tourist destination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This long-overdue development comes at a time when the holy city faces increasing competition from emerging tourist destinations. Despite being one of Hinduism's char dhams and home to the revered Jagannath Temple, Puri's tourism infrastructure remained largely underdeveloped. As CM Majhi himself pointed out, visitors to Puri currently have limited options, primarily the Jagannath Temple and the beach, lacking additional entertainment or tourist attractions that could extend their stay. "Beyond these, there are no entertainment or tourist attractions to spend time," he said. The proposed transformation includes establishing a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, Library, and Research Centre within a single complex. This development aligns with modern tourism principles that emphasise prolonged visitor engagement and increased economic benefits for the destination. Renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo emphasises the inadequacy of current amenities in Puri compared to international tourism hubs like Singapore. He advocates for the expansion and diversification of tourist activities while maintaining the city's religious significance. The city with less than four lakh population hosts millions. The facilities have to be proportionate, he said. The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik highlights the potential threat from West Bengal's newly inaugurated Digha temple, which offers modern amenities and could emerge as an alternative destination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This underscores the urgency for Puri's infrastructure upgrade. JK Mohanty, chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), views the expansion as crucial for accommodating future growth in tourist footfall. Hotelier Deboo Patnaik emphasises the need for long-term planning, suggesting that Puri must modernise while preserving its historical and spiritual essence. The upgrade to municipal corporation status could potentially transform Puri's tourism landscape. However, the challenge lies in striking a balance between modern amenities and the city's traditional character. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and sustainable development practices that respect both tourist needs and local heritage, experts said. This transformation could position Puri as a competitive tourist destination while maintaining its spiritual significance, potentially setting a model for other religious tourism destinations in India, they said.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
Security up at 3 places in Ganjam after man crushed under chariot wheels
1 2 Berhampur: A day after a 32-year-old man was allegedly crushed to death under the wheels of a chariot at Sikula in Ganjam district, security has been tightened in places where Rath Yatra was held on Saturday. Chariots are pulled by devotees in Digapahandi, Dharakote and Surangi, a day after Puri. Hundreds of people from nearby villages pulled the chariot in Digapahandi and Dharakote, while several people from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and tribals thronged Surangi in Patrapur block to participate in the festival. Siba Behera of Sikula died after the chariot allegedly ran over him on Friday. He was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries late evening, police said. "We are investigating the incident," said Deepak Mishra, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Purushottampur. "Following the accident, we have asked police officers to keep strict vigil on chariot pulling in their areas," said SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M. He said adequate forces were also deployed in Surangi and Digapahandi to ensure incident-free Rath Yatra. "Ever since the Jagannath Temple was built in Surangi, located near the Andhra Pradesh border, by the then king in the 18th century, the pulling of chariot was done a day after Puri Rath Yatra," said Anchal Pradhan, an elderly resident. Similar tradition continues in Dharakote and Digapahandi. "Bahuda Yatra will also be observed in these places a day after the traditional return car festival. It's our tradition since the temple was established," said Kuresh Patra, an advocate in Digapahandi. According to legends, everyone went to participate in the Rath Yatra in nearby places, including Jarada and Chikiti, leaving behind hardly any devotee to pull chariots in Digapahandi, Dharakote and Surangi. This propmpted the kings to postpone the pulling of chariots for a day. Rath Yatra was celebrated in Jarada on Friday, where Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Lord Parthasarathi.
BBC News
28-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
India's cooling summer dish that costs less than a dollar
For centuries, the people of Odisha have turned to pakhala – a fermented rice dish – to beat the heat. Now it's gaining global attention. It was a scorching hot day in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha in eastern India. As the temperature soared, my university friends and I rushed to the cafeteria for the meal we looked forward to most in summer: a bowl of pakhala (water rice). Light and tangy, the dish gave us immediate relief from the oppressive heat. Two decades later, as I sit in my apartment in the dry heat of Riyadh, it remains my go-to comfort food in summer, especially after a long day in the sun. Pakhala is Odisha's unique summertime ritual. Also known as "poor man's gruel", the simple dish is made from leftover cooked rice soaked in water and fermented overnight in an earthen pot. It is usually mixed with yoghurt, tempered with mustard seeds, dried red chillies and curry leaves and served with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, sautéed green leafy vegetables and fried fish. Odias (people of Odisha) have consumed pakhala since ancient times since it's affordable and easy to prepare, yet nutritionally rich. "The earliest documented use of pakhala dates back to the 12th Century, when the dish was offered to Lord Jagannath (a Hindu deity worshipped in Odisha) at the Jagannath Temple in Puri," says Ritu Pattanaik, food historian and the author of the cookbook 259 Inherited Recipes of Odisha. "Even today, pakhala is one of the best foods to have when temperatures rise." Odisha has always been an agrarian society, and rice is a staple. "In the olden days, it was typical for women in the house to add water to leftover rice from lunch. There was no refrigerator at the time, so this prevented the rice from spoiling. In the morning, men ate this fermented rice and water before heading out to work in the fields. Pakhala gave them energy and helped them beat the afternoon heat." Central to pakhala's benefits is the slightly sour, probiotic-rich fermented water known as torani, which hydrates and protects the body against heat stroke. Once water and rice have undergone fermentation, torani becomes a rich source of lactic acid bacteria, which protect the stomach and intestines from infection and aid digestion. "However, the benefits of torani don't end there," adds Dr Balamurugan Ramadass, professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar. "In addition to probiotics, torani is a rich source of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains vitamin K, which [helps] heals wounds faster." He notes that torani delivers instant energy to an exhausted body, "which is why farmers consume one to two litres of it before going to work every day. An average person with a desk job can have two to three cups of torani daily and still benefit from this healing beverage." So trusted are torani's health benefits that India's National Disaster Management Authority advises people to drink it during heatwaves. In a country where extended summer heatwaves are becoming the norm, drinks like torani are increasingly seen as functional superfoods that both cool and nourish the body. "One of the simplest ways to increase your torani intake is to consume pakhala instead of plain rice or bread for lunch," says chef Abinas Nayak, winner of MasterChef India Season 6. He notes that pakhala is straightforward to prepare. "Take leftover cooked rice, pour water over it and leave it in an earthen pot to ferment overnight. Pakhala will be ready in the morning." Because of the humble ingredients and simple cooking method, a bowl of pakhala costs less than a dollar to buy – and significantly less to prepare at home. "In some ways, pakhala is the great equaliser in our society. It's accessible to and loved by everyone, regardless of class, income or background," says Nayak. Pakhala is deeply ingrained in Odisha's sociocultural fabric. It is common to eat a bowl before each new beginning, be it a new job, house or relationship. "At the end of every Odia wedding, the bride's mother feeds pakhala to her newlywed daughter and son-in-law to ensure that the marriage runs smoothly," says Pattanaik. Flask back to 2009 and my own wedding rituals: the fact that I had two pakhala kansas (bronze bowls) in my bridal trousseau suddenly makes sense. "Yes, your mother put those bowls to make sure your relationship with your husband was cool like pakhala," Pattanaik adds with a smile. For many Odias, pakhala is a nostalgic trip back to childhood. "In summertime, my mother would always have a bowl of pakhala and some mashed potatoes waiting for me when I got home from school," Nayak reminisces. "That was the meal I always cherished and still do now. It is the taste of home and comfort for me." Though once considered too basic or old-fashioned to feature on modern menus, pakhala is enjoying a revival. With the mercury rising year after year and Indians becoming more receptive to native foods, pakhala is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the hot spells of April and May. Every year, the pakhala craze begins in early March peaks on Pakhala Dibasa (Pakhala Day) on 20 March and continues until the last monsoon arrives in mid-June. This is when restaurants across Odisha begin serving elaborate pakhala platters with a variety of sides. The trend is spreading across India and the world, with home cooks and food bloggers regularly sharing pakhala images and videos on social media, and cooking contests featuring inventive twists on the dish. Pakhala gatherings have become commonplace across the globe, including the US, UK and the Middle East, where Odias like me congregate to savour this nostalgic meal that's inextricably linked to our identity. Nayak has helped popularise the dish on social media and by preparing sumptuous pakhala platters at national events. "By promoting Indigenous foods like pakhala, we are not only tapping into our rich culinary history but also rediscovering lost superfoods," he says. "People are now seeing value in how our forefathers ate and that makes me happy." Restaurants are capitalising on this growing trend by offering elaborate pakhala platters with side dishes such as alu bharta (spiced mashed potatoes), baigana bharta (mashed aubergine), tomato poda (smoked tomato), sukhua (dried salted fish), saga bhaja (sauteed greens) and badi chura (crushed sundried lentil dumplings served with a dash of mustard oil and garlic). More like this:• A local chef's favourite street food picks in Kolkata• Thunder tea rice: The 2,000-year-old healthy grain bowl• Everyday Healing Broth: A restorative soup made for cold season "These sides, however, are more than just add-ons; they are carefully selected for nutritional balance and texture. That's what makes them special," explains chef Alka Jena, who chronicles the history and recipes of Odia dishes on her food blog Culinary Xpress. "The fish provides protein, saga bhaja adds fibre and badi chura adds crunch and umami." "On a scorching hot day, there's nothing quite like relishing a bowl of pakhala with a variety of sides and washing it down with some sour torani," Jena adds. "It not only cools your tummy but also provides a glimpse into Odisha's rich culture and heritage." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rath Yatra marks the countdown to Durga Puja: Priyanka Sarkar
Priyanka Sarkar at Ram Gopal Saha's mansion From decorating her multi-tiered rath with her father to ringing bells to earn a fair share of pocket money in exchange of prasad, to watching her son slowly outgrow the tradition, Rath Yatra isn't just a festival for actress Priyanka Sarkar, it's a feeling woven with childhood memories, family rituals, and simple joys. CT shoots with the Chirodini Tumi Je Amar and Bibaho Obhijaan actress on this special occasion, to know how the day reminds her of a personal journey through time, food, and nostalgia. Have you ever been to Puri for Rath Yatra? I've always wanted to. Puri, for us, is more than just a place. It's an emotion. I've thought of going to Puri during Rath Yatra, but never ended doing so, mainly because it's overcrowded during this time of the year. They say Jagannath pulls you Himself... It's true! He really does. The first time I visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, I was barely one and a half years old, so I have no memory of it. After that, I've gone to Puri several times for shoots, but not once did I get the opportunity to actually get a darshan of Jagannath. Then, just a few months ago, I went on a road trip to Mandarmani with my parents and Shohoj. The Jagannath Dham in Digha had not opened doors yet. Baba suddenly said, 'Let's just go on a road trip to Puri, it's just a few hours away. ' So off we went, totally unplanned. When we reached, we got a hassle-free darshan . The weather was perfect, and surprisingly, it wasn't even much crowded. That's exactly what people mean when they say 'He pulls you Himself – He orchestrates the entire plan'. Rath er mela holds a special place in my heart. It's not just about papad or khaja, the entire fair is a must-visit Priyanka Sarkar Do you have any special plans for Rath Yatra this year? We don't conduct a grand puja at home as such – it's more of a daily spiritual routine, and the same will happen this year. Shohoj, my son, used to pull the chariot with an idol of Jagannath, one gifted to him by my mother till last year, but I am not sure if he will do it this year since he thinks he's outgrown it, and this activity is meant for kids. Today you're shooting inside Ramgopal Saha's mansion in Bowbazar, they also host a grand Durga Puja that is over a century-old. Would you like to return here during Pujo? Shooting in the mansion feels truly special. The house perfectly captures everything I love about north Kolkata. Every house in this area carries a distinct charm. This shoot feels special to me since Rath Yatra also marks the countdown to Durga Puja. On this day, you see Khuti pujo happening in so many places. I would love to return to the mansion during Pujo. With many friends hosting bonedi barir pujos, I make it a point to visit each one at least once every year. There's something so beautiful and intimate about these centuries-old pujos. It is more of a personal tradition now to have Ashtami bhog at one place and Nabami lunch at another. Priyanka decorating a Rath Earliest Rath Yatra memories 'The earliest memory I have of Rath Yatra is also the most exciting,' says Priyanka, adding, 'I'd rush home from school to decorate the rath.' She would use everything from flowers to marble paper to decorate it and collect material for weeks in advance. 'Baba would take out the rath and clean it the day before.' That time of year also meant a fun little income. 'We'd take the rath out, ring a bell, hand out prasad, and people would give us ₹2 or ₹5. It was such fun!' Her maternal uncle's house was nearby, so the rath would be taken there on the festival day and brought back on Ulta Rath. 'There was always a feast waiting for us, and a more pocket money too,' she laughs. Decorating the rath, making sure the idols stayed in place, and upgrading from ek tala to teen tala rath made me feel so special as a kid Priyanka Sarkar 'Rath er mela holds a special place in my heart' Rath er mela holds a special place in Priyanka's heart for more reasons than one. 'I love street food, so for me, it's not just about papad or khaja – the entire fair is a must-visit,' she says. In fact, she even went to a mela last year. She adds, 'From ghugni to kulfi, there's so much to enjoy. The whole experience is something I look forward to every year.' Jilipi, a Rath Yatra delicacy Rath delicacies on Priyanka's plate: Papad bhaja Khaja Vegetarian homemade delicacies
