Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone of Durga Angan in New Town on Monday, invoking Ma Durga for guidance in addressing ongoing social and civic challenges. The project is envisioned as a permanent courtyard for daily worship of the Mother Goddess, aimed at promoting Bengal’s cultural and religious heritage while serving as a major tourist and community hub.
- Durga Angan: Project Overview
- Location: New Town, Action Area-I
- Estimated Cost: ₹262 crore
- Area: 17 acres (expanded from the original 12 acres to accommodate parking, shops, cultural performance zones, and rituals)
- Capacity: Designed to host up to 1 lakh visitors daily
The project is expected to integrate religious, cultural, and commercial activities, catering to locals and tourists alike. It is supported by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation and the state government, which will fund infrastructure development.
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Cultural and Religious Significance
Banerjee highlighted the role of Durga Angan in preserving Bengal’s cultural traditions and promoting international recognition:
“This Durga Angan will help cement the UNESCO recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” she said.
The project aims to provide a platform for daily rituals, cultural performances, and local community engagement, reflecting the spirit of Bengal’s traditions.
She emphasized that the expanded site ensures ample space for car parking, shops, and cultural zones, offering convenience and enhancing visitor experience.
Linking Development and Governance
Addressing broader civic concerns without directly mentioning ongoing political exercises, Banerjee stressed the protection of voting rights and public welfare:
“Decisions are being made about who will stay and who will have to leave. Many people are helpless. I will pray to Ma Durga to restore humanity. Everyone’s voting rights must be preserved,” she said.
She also rebutted BJP allegations of appeasement politics, asserting her secular credentials:
“I am a true secularist. I respect all religions equally and believe in peaceful coexistence. We follow Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev’s philosophy, focusing on being Matir Manush.”
Economic and Tourism Impact
Banerjee outlined how Durga Angan is expected to boost local industries, tourism, and employment:
She cited Digha’s Jagannath Mandir, which drew 1 crore visitors recently, as an example of the economic uplift from religious tourism.
Bengal ranked second in foreign tourist arrivals in 2025; with projects like Durga Angan, Banerjee expressed confidence the state will achieve the top position in 2026.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Durga Angan would serve both religious devotees and tourists, reflecting Bengal’s culture, spirituality, and unity.
Future Plans
Banerjee also mentioned upcoming religious projects:
- Mahakal Temple in Siliguri: Land selected, date and funds finalized; architecture and trust details to be finalized soon.
- Durga Angan is envisioned as a religio-cultural hub generating employment, boosting local economy, and promoting Bengal’s heritage globally.
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