Mamata Banerjee Lays 'Durga Angan' Foundation

Mamata Banerjee Lays 'Durga Angan' Foundation

By KUNAL CHATTERJEE

KOLKATA: In a grand ceremony at Rajarhat, on the outskirts of Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for 'Durga Angan', a monumental Durga temple complex envisioned as a year-round worship site and global landmark. 

Spanning 17.28 acres, the project draws inspiration from the wildly popular Jagannath Temple in Digha, which recently crossed one crore visitors. Like its predecessor, construction responsibility falls to the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), known for delivering the Jagannath Dham.

Addressing the crowd, Banerjee declared, “Mother Durga will be worshipped here 365 days a year. It will be a daily place of worship. Everyone will be able to see Mother Durga 365 days a year. There will be cultural programmes. Many jobs will be created. There will be many shops.” She hailed the site as “number one in the world,” capable of accommodating one lakh visitors daily, blending spirituality with economic vibrancy. 

The announcement echoes her July 21 rally promise, upgrading from an initial 12-acre UNESCO-recognised plot to this expansive location with ample parking and a cultural centre. “Today is a historic day. You can say that a feather has been added to Bengal's crown,” she remarked, emphasising accessibility and inclusivity. She added “We believe that religion is personal, but festivals are for everyone.” 

Banerjee also spotlighted infrastructure strides, noting the state-funded Gangasagar bridge, allocated Rs 1,700 crore after central delays, with its foundation slated for January 5. “Once the Mahakal Temple is completed in North Bengal, everything will be done,” she affirmed, underscoring self-reliance. 

This initiative positions Bengal as a hub for faith tourism, mirroring Digha's success while fostering jobs and cultural exchange. As designs finalise, Durga Angan promises to redefine devotion in the state.