Mamata Banerjee calls for respecting and celebrating all festivals

Calling upon people to maintain religious harmony, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Monday the state celebrates festivals of all communities with equal enthusiasm. 

The CM, after inaugurating the centenary celebrations of 'Baghbazar Sarbojonin Durgotsav' (community puja in north Kolkata), said "the spirit of togetherness and amity" was the strength of people in Bengal. 

"We love and respect all religions. Some of us are Hindus, some Christians, some Muslims and Sikhs. We may follow our own religious scriptures but we have respect for other scriptures too. We participate in festivals of all communities with enthusiasm. This togetherness is our strength," said Banerjee, also the ruling Trinamool Congress supremo. 

Talking about Baghbazar puja, the CM said she was happy to see that the organizers have stuck to their tradition of worshipping 'ekchala sabeki' Durga idol (the goddess and her four children mounted on a single frame). 

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had wished people on Twitter on the occasion of Mahalaya by quoting a few lines of 'Mahishasuramardini' recital. Mahalaya marks the beginning of 'Devi-Paksha' and the end of 'Pitri-Paksha' (the shradh or the mourning period). 

It heralds the beginning of 10-day Durga Puja festival. Banerjee also launched the special puja edition of her party's mouthpiece 'Jago Bangla'. 

The puja edition starts with an article by Mamata Banerjee who has also designed its cover. Top Trinamool leaders such as Subrata Bakshi, Partha Chatterjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikari and Firhad Hakim have contributed to the festival number of the party mouthpiece. 

An audio CD "Roudrochhaya" (light and shadow) comprising songs written by Banerjee was also launched during the programme. Banerjee also inaugurated various other Durga Pujas in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)