Kolkata, Nov. 3 -- The Bengal government has begun preparations for a grand celebration of Chandannagar's famous Jagaddhatri Puja, following its recognition as a state-level Puja festival. A high-level administrative meeting was held at Chandannagar on Tuesday to coordinate arrangements and showcase the town's cultural heritage to visitors from across India and abroad, as the Puja is scheduled for November 16.
The meeting, attended by ministers Agnimitra Paul, Swapan Dasgupta and Umesh Rai, local MLA Dipanjan Guha, Hooghly DM, and senior officials, discussed plans for decorating the town and organising the festival on a larger scale.
Urban development minister Agnimitra Paul alleged the previous Mamata Banerjee government failed to promote the festival and its celebrated illumination industry. She accused the previous regime of financial irregularities in the name of UNESCO recognition and alleged that little had been done for the artisans and workers behind Chandannagar's internationally renowned lighting displays. Paul said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had directed the administration to develop a comprehensive plan to give the festival wider national and international recognition.
Paul also criticised Banerjee over her recent controversial remarks, alleging that her 15-year tenure had been marked by corruption rather than public welfare.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.