CM Mamata starts Puja festivities without formal inauguration of Pandal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Sribhumi Sporting Club on Tuesday for the Durga Puja celebrations but refrained from officially inaugurating the puja. Instead, she declared the start of the festival, explaining that as per tradition, the "mother’s puja" is not inaugurated by the father. Mamata added that she has a deep understanding of religion and customs, assuring critics that she had not initiated Durga Puja before Mahalaya. Despite this, her visit effectively marked the opening of the iconic puja pandal.

Every year, the chief minister inaugurates Durga Puja after Mahalaya, but this year she took part in starting the festivities early. While addressing the crowd, Mamata extended festival greetings and also touched upon the recent flood situation in the state. She criticized the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and urged everyone to help those affected by the floods by ensuring food supplies reach relief camps.

Sribhumi Puja, located near VIP Road and the Dum Dum Airport, often causes traffic congestion during the festivities. Banerjee reiterated the importance of managing traffic to ensure smooth travel for airport commuters. In addition to participating in the puja, the Chief Minister also inaugurated three new fire stations in the area.

Sribhumi Sporting Club's Durga Puja is one of Kolkata's most famous pandals, drawing large crowds throughout the festival.