Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by people of all faiths. The government and its different administration play a crucial role in managing the festival smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it safely and peacefully.
Planning and Preparation
The government starts planning for Durga Puja months in advance. A special committee is formed to oversee all aspects of the festival, including security, traffic management, sanitation, and crowd control. The committee works closely with the police, fire department, and other agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to address all potential challenges.
Security and Traffic Management
During Durga Puja, the police department deploys additional forces to ensure security at all major pandals and other sensitive locations. Traffic restrictions are also imposed in certain areas to ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles.
Sanitation and Crowd Control
The government also takes steps to ensure that pandals and other public areas are clean and hygienic. Additional sanitation workers are deployed, and regular cleaning and disinfection drives are conducted. Crowd control measures are also implemented at major pandals to prevent overcrowding and accidents.
Encouraging Participation from All Communities
The government encourages participation from all communities in Durga Puja celebrations. Special programs and events are organized to promote communal harmony and brotherhood. For example, the government organises a special ‘Sarvajanin Pujo‘ (community puja) in Kolkata, where people of all faiths come together to celebrate the festival.
It is noteworthy that there have been no communal clashes during Durga Puja in West Bengal in recent years. This is a testament to the state’s commitment to religious tolerance and pluralism. People of all faiths participate in the festival with equal enthusiasm, and it is a beautiful sight to behold.
Bengal Believes in Unity in Diversity
Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is often heard saying “Religions are personal but festivals are for all” – an idea that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of brotherhood and unity that prevails in West Bengal. Durga Puja is a prime example of this spirit, as it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by people of all faiths.
The fact that people from all communities participate in Durga Puja celebrations, including the collection of chanda and the offering of bhog, is a testament to the state’s commitment to religious tolerance and pluralism. Durga Puja is a time for people to come together and celebrate their shared culture and heritage, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The government of West Bengal plays a key role in promoting communal harmony and brotherhood during Durga Puja. It provides financial assistance of INR 70,000 to puja committees, organises special programs and events, and deploys additional security forces to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.
Durga Puja in West Bengal is a model for the rest of the country. It shows that it is possible to celebrate a religious festival in a secular manner and that people of all faiths can come together to celebrate their shared culture and heritage.
The Bengali saying “Dharma Jar Jar Utsav Sabar” is a reminder that we are all united in our diversity. We may have different religions, but we all share the same values of love, compassion, and brotherhood. Durga Puja is a celebration of these values, and it is a time for us to come together and build a stronger and more united society.
The Government of West Bengal deserves special mention for its role in beautifully organising Durga Puja celebrations. The government’s efforts to promote communal harmony and brotherhood, ensure security and crowd control, and encourage participation from all communities are commendable.
On behalf of Bengal, we would like to thank the GoWB for its efforts in making Durga Puja a truly special and memorable occasion. May the spirit of Durga Puja continue to guide us and inspire us to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.