Kolkata/IBNS, Oct. 10 -- The BJP government on Saturday sought to move beyond the recurring controversies surrounding Durga Puja, sparked by various 'diktats' from religious groups, with a spectacular cultural programme headlined by a drone show on the occasion of Mahalaya.

Mahalaya marks the end of the 15-day ancestral mourning period called Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha.

Drone show lights up sky. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

At a grand event, organised as an alternative to the Durga Puja carnival held after Vijaya Dashami by the previous TMC government, Maa Durga appeared to take flight in a mesmerising drone show at the iconic Eden Gardens.

Anchored by actor Sauraseni Maitra, the programme featured musical performances...