Mamata Banerjee releases song for Chhath Puja, played at ghats across Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has released a song to mark the occasion of Chhath Puja, a significant festival celebrated by people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states. Chhath Puja has grown in popularity across the country, particularly in cities with large populations of migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, including Kolkata. The festival, traditionally observed along riverbanks, is celebrated with devotion, and the song aims to acknowledge and reach out to the migrant communities in Bengal.

The song, written by Mamata Banerjee herself, was released on Thursday. In her statement, the Chief Minister explained that every word of the song was written by her, expressing her devotion to Chhathi Maiya, the deity worshipped during Chhath Puja. Banerjee also mentioned that if there were any mistakes in the song, she would accept responsibility. She shared that the song would be played at various ghats during the celebrations, with the assistance of local police, who have been tasked with playing the song at key locations where people gather for the ritual.

Banerjee’s address to the Posta Bazar business community in Kolkata highlighted her efforts to support local businesses, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She assured the traders that the government had taken steps to ensure markets were able to function smoothly, facilitating recovery after the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. In this context, she emphasized the importance of community support and the government’s commitment to the welfare of all residents.

The Chief Minister also reiterated Bengal’s role as a diverse state, referring to it as a “mini India.” She noted that people from all regions, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, live together in Bengal. Banerjee highlighted that Bengal’s inclusive environment does not discriminate based on caste, religion, or food choices. Her statement aimed to reflect the state’s harmony and the government’s approach to providing equal opportunities for all communities, especially the migrant populations who celebrate Chhath Puja.