NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a special outreach initiative for Durga Puja organisers in the national capital, extending festive greetings and sending certificates under the state government’s Sharad Shubheccha programme. The campaign is widely seen as an effort to connect with Non-Resident Bengalis (NRBs), many of whom, though residing outside Bengal, maintain a deep cultural and emotional attachment to their native state.
Bengali associations across Delhi-NCR, which play a prominent role in conducting Durga Puja celebrations, have started receiving these certificates and letters of appreciation from the Bengal government, often accompanied by boxes of sweets. Organisers welcomed the gesture, describing it as both warm and thoughtful, and an effort to strengthen the cultural bond between the Bengal government and diaspora Bengali communities.
Durga Puja, West Bengal’s most significant festival, gained international recognition after being added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021. Observers believe Mamata Banerjee’s initiative will further cement ties with organisers outside Bengal while highlighting the cultural pride associated with the festival.
The Bengal government has invested significant attention in this outreach exercise. Under the Sharad Shubheccha initiative, certificates and festive greetings were delivered to most Durga Puja committees, with each document personally addressed. This personalisation demonstrates care and thoroughness and reflects Mamata Banerjee’s intent to actively court the Bengali diaspora as an important cultural and political constituency for the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Pradip Kumar Das, president of the CR Park Kali Mata Committee, shared his reaction with The Sunday Guardian : “The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, had sent a certificate-like letter along with a box of sweets. It was a very gracious gesture. We shared the news with our management committee members, and many others came to know about it as well. It was truly kind and generous”. Das added, “The letter was printed on certificate paper and came with the sweets. It was thoughtful, and we are genuinely pleased to have received it from the Chief Minister. On behalf of our committee, we extend our gratitude to Mrs. Mamata Banerjee for this gesture”.
Community representatives echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the effort reflects Kolkata’s acknowledgement of Bengalis across India in preserving and promoting traditions. “We are happy that the government of Bengal has reached out to us with such a gesture,” said a member of another Durga Puja committee in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi.
Abhijeet Das, a resident of CR Park, noted that the initiative was a welcome step. “It is a good gesture by the government to recognise Bengalis living outside West Bengal for their role in promoting our culture. For years, we have celebrated our festivals and kept Bengali traditions alive, but the government had not acknowledged it. Better late than never, this recognition is certainly appreciated”.
Analysts, however, suggest the move is not just symbolic. While the greetings and certificates frame cultural recognition, the underlying message indicates that the TMC is seeking to extend its political base beyond West Bengal. The initiative may be a strategic effort to generate goodwill among Bengali communities across India, particularly in areas with sizeable Bengali populations, positioning the TMC as a national player.
Delhi BJP MLA Jitendra Mahajan described Mamata Banerjee’s gesture as a welcome move, observing that she had begun to acknowledge the Bengali community and its sentiments. He noted that in the past, she was often seen as siding with Bangladeshi immigrants, but this time, with the blessings of Goddess Durga, she recognised her own people and their cultural identity. Mahajan added that such efforts should also be implemented in Bengal. “If she truly wants to strengthen and promote our culture, she should do the same in Bengal. Unfortunately, much of her government’s work there has focused on protecting and supporting Bangladeshis. Greater effort is needed to preserve and showcase our own cultural heritage,” he said.
The Sunday Guardian reached out to TMC leaders for comment, but no official response was received.
