Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 19:57 IST

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already arrived in Digha, where a large yajna is scheduled for Tuesday, ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration ceremony) on April 30

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the Digha temple. (X)

The political climate in West Bengal is heating up as the grand inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha approaches.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already arrived in Digha, where a large yajna (sacred ritual) is scheduled for Tuesday, ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration ceremony) on April 30.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is promoting the event as a major spiritual and cultural milestone. The state government plans to broadcast the inauguration across all blocks in West Bengal through LED screens, highlighting the significance of the ceremony. Digha is being heavily decorated, with arrangements made for thousands of attendees.

ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS IN DIGHA

A massive yajna will begin on April 29, with Banerjee expected to participate and offer the ‘Purnahuti’ (final offering) in the evening.

On April 30, the rituals will continue with an Abhishek (ceremonial bathing of the deity), dressing of Lord Jagannath, followed by the Pran Pratishtha and the official opening of the temple.

Cultural performances, including a special act by Dona Ganguly and her troupe, are also scheduled as part of the celebrations.

Three hangars have been set up to accommodate attendees:

• Hangar 1: 6,000 capacity, main venue for the inauguration and cultural programmes
• Hangar 2: 4,000 capacity, equipped with display screens
• Hangar 3: 2,000 capacity, for limited invitees on April 29

Banerjee said, “The yajna begins tomorrow. This Jagannath Dham will be a jewel in Digha’s crown. On one hand, it’s a spiritual milestone; on the other, it boosts tourism. Digha is set to become a destination for international tourism. This is an emotional moment for all of us.”

BJP PLANS PARALLEL RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL EVENTS

Not to be left behind, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also announced major religious events on the same day in a clear bid to counter the TMC’s narrative.

BJP State President Sukanta Majumdar has declared that he will perform puja at a temple in Murshidabad that was damaged during recent violence. He said, “We will repair the temple and conduct puja on 30 April. I will personally be there. Mamata Banerjee is anti-Hindu — Murshidabad is a clear example of that.”

Suvendu Adhikari has called for a Sanatani Rally in Kanthi, East Midnapore, also scheduled for 30 April.

In a strong statement on social media, Adhikari said: “As promised, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, 30 April 2025, we will begin rebuilding and renovating the Hindu temples in Murshidabad that were damaged in jihadist attacks. These temples, bearing marks of barbaric violence, will undergo purification and reformation through traditional rituals. No financial aid will be taken from the anti-Hindu Mamata Banerjee government. All costs will be borne by the Hindu community.”

He also warned that if non-Hindus are allowed into the Jagannath Temple during its inauguration, the BJP will raise the issue publicly.

ALL EYES ON APRIL 30

Political analyst Sambit Pal said, “The Left may call it competitive Hindutva politics, but I see it as a complementary Hindutva narrative. One party is trying to escape its pro-minority image and another is trying to make their Hindutva agenda stronger.”

As both the TMC and BJP gear up for significant religious events, the day is expected to carry not just spiritual, but high political significance in West Bengal. While the TMC seeks to align itself with cultural and religious pride through the Jagannath Temple, the BJP is mobilising support in other districts to assert its own Hindutva narrative.