States » EastPosted at: Oct 6 2026 7:15PM


Bengal: Modi, Shah unlikely to attend Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens

Kolkata, Oct 6 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Mahalaya programme to be organised at Eden Gardens here, while union Home Minister Amit Shah will also not be able to make it to the event, sources said.
Despite the scaling down of the programme, however, the Mahalaya celebrations will go ahead as scheduled. West Bengal Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and members of his council of ministers are expected to attend the programme. The Chief Minister’s office has reportedly instructed all state ministers to remain present at the event.
Eminent personalities from different walks of life have also been invited, while several prominent artists from the cultural fraternity are expected to participate. Preparations for the programme have already begun in full swing. The Red Road and the Eden Gardens area are being decorated, while several parts of Kolkata are being illuminated ahead of the celebrations.
The programme is expected to showcase Bengal’s cultural heritage through a special drone show and laser display. Although the absence of the Prime Minister and the union Home Minister has somewhat diminished the political attraction of the event, the state government is leaving no stone unturned to make the programme a grand spectacle.
The celebrations will also extend beyond Eden Gardens. Mahalaya will be broadcast over loudspeakers at five ghats in Kolkata early in the morning. A giant replica of a radio set is also planned as part of the decorations, recalling the traditional association of Mahalaya with the early-morning broadcast of “Mahishasura Mardini”.
A road show is also scheduled along Red Road, adding to the festive atmosphere in the city. The arrangements assume added significance as the BJP leadership has traditionally maintained a visible presence during Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. In previous years, senior BJP leaders and ministers had attended pujas, including the prominent Santosh Mitra Square puja.
Despite not attending the Eden Gardens programme, Shah may visit Kolkata during the Durga Puja festivities. According to Nabanna sources, the union home minister is likely to attend the inauguration of several pujas in the city.
The state government is now focusing on ensuring that the Mahalaya programme retains its cultural and ceremonial character despite the absence of the two senior central leaders.
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Tags: #Bengal: Modi# Shah unlikely to attend Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens
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