Kolkata, Sept. 23 -- The West Bengal government plans to create a world record with a grand Mahalaya celebration at Eden Gardens, marking the beginning of 'Devipaksha' and serving as a spectacular prelude to the Durga Puja festivities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to perform the 'Chokkhu Daan' (painting of the eyes) ritual on the idol of Goddess Durga. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that Modi may personally perform the ritual.
Around 10,000 traditional dhakis from different districts of West Bengal will perform simultaneously, while thousands of women dressed in traditional red-and-white sarees will blow conch shells in unison to welcome Devipaksha.
The event will feature 3D projection mapping, a drone show, fireworks and performances by playback singers Kumar Sanu, Shreya Ghoshal and Abhijeet Bhattacharya. The projection-mapping show, themed 'Ma Aschen-Uma Story', will showcase Bengali cultural heritage.
Modi and Adhikari will also virtually inaugurate 10,000 Durga Puja celebrations across the state from Eden Gardens.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has handed over Eden Gardens to the state sports department and administration for preparations for the event.
During the previous Mamata Banerjee regime, Durga Puja programmes were held on Red Road after the festival. This will be the first time that such a grand government-backed event is being organised on Mahalaya.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.