Opinion | Amit Shah, Durga Puja, And An Attempt To Deepen Connect With Bengal's Roots

Updated: Oct 17, 2026 16:19 pm IST Published On Oct 17, 2026 16:19 pm IST Last Updated On Oct 17, 2026 16:19 pm IST

Published On Oct 17, 2026 16:19 pm IST

Last Updated On Oct 17, 2026 16:19 pm IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah could not visit West Bengal on Mahalaya despite an invitation from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to participate in the Durga Puja celebrations on Red Road. He will, however, be in the state on Sunday, and a full-day programme has been planned for him.

The minister will be staying at the Atithi Griha in Alipore, and his Durga Puja engagements will begin at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. This choice is important because it signifies that he is seeking to connect with a deeper and more enduring aspect of Bengal's cultural identity.

After visiting Belur Math, he is expected to explore some of Kolkata's prominent Durga Puja celebrations, including traditional household pujas and community-organised festivities. Shobhabazar Rajbari represents the older tradition of aristocratic family pujas, while the Barowari or community puja has a different social history. The Chetla Agrani puja pandal is another prominent destination associated with the city's contemporary Durga Puja culture.

In other words, Shah wants to return, once again, to the cultural foundations of Bengal and connect with what might be called the Bengali DNA.

How Is Amit Shah's Visit Different This Time?

The most obvious difference is that, earlier, the BJP was in the opposition and its political position and its approach to Bengal's cultural life were therefore different.

Consider Santosh Mitra Square, one of Kolkata's well-known Durga Puja destinations. BJP leaders, including MLA Sajal Ghosh, have been associated with its organisation. The BJP has also developed its own presence in the........

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