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However, the BJP of West Bengal criticized CM Mamata Banerjee for making a political spectacle and alleged that it was deviating from traditional practices.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee inspects preparations for the Rath Yatra before the festival starting on 27 June. (Image: News18)
A Rath Yatra for tourists in Digha, West Bengal has triggered a political controversy with the BJP in the state, alleging Mamata Banerjee’s government of being distracted by the tradition.
However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denied any political posture and said that there was no competition with the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha.
This temple of coastal city is the main destination of the Rath Yatra, which is considered to be the largest and oldest Hindu chariot festival annually.
This time, Digha – a popular beach destination – celebrating the ancient festival for the first time. Banerjee is personally camped there and will be present to pull the chariot rope, marking the beginning of the festival.
However, the BJP criticized the Chief Minister in the state, which was attended by a political spectacle by participating in the event and alleged that it was getting distracted by traditional finger practices.
“Mamta realizes that 70% are united at this time. She refers to Mahakumba as ‘death Kumbh’. In Ulubaria, she has said that no new chariot journey can be done.
Addressing the comparison between Puri and Digha, Banerjee dismissed the controversy. “We love the Jagannath temple in Puri, and they should also love our temple. Many people of Puri have come here,” he said.
“We are very excited because for the first time the Rath Yatra will be in Digha. There is no competition between Puri and Digha, but in Digha, foreign tourists will also participate in the festival; it is not in Puri. I will not go into politics …” ISKCON representative Radha Raman Das told News18,
What are preparations?
Three royal chariots – for the Hindu deities of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra – have been designed for a formal procession. There are comprehensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful and well -managed events.
On the eve of the journey, Banerjee reviewed the final preparation. “The main event will start tomorrow at 9 am. Some people may leave after watching the chariots, but the dham will remain open. The stone sculptures will remain in the temple, while Neem Wood Idol will be brought to the chariot at 9.30 am. We will arrive at 2 pm, and the chariot will start at 2.30 pm.”
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with a 16 -year experience in covering the north -east with expertise in politics and defense. He has won UNICEF Ladli …Read more
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with a 16 -year experience in covering the north -east with expertise in politics and defense. He has won UNICEF Ladli … Read more
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