Mamata Banerjee Celebrates 47th Kali Puja in Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee celebrated her 47th Kali Puja at her home in Kolkata. She expressed her deep faith in Maa Kali, stating that she has always sought strength and guidance from the goddess. In a heartfelt message, she shared, “This is the 47th Kali Pujo at my residence. Over the years, through life’s joys and sorrows, I have turned to Maa Kali for strength and guidance.”
Banerjee fasted throughout the day and prepared ‘bhog’ for Bhavatarini Maa Kali, honoring the goddess’s divine feminine energy. She extended her gratitude to everyone who joined her in the prayers, wishing them happiness, health, and prosperity. “Shubho Kali Pujo to all!” she added.
Kolkata was vibrant with Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations, with markets bustling with shoppers buying sweets, diyas, and festive clothing. Park Street was beautifully decorated with LED lights for the occasion.
Significance of Kali Puja
Kali Puja is a major festival for Hindus, especially in West Bengal, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Known as Shyama Puja, it is also observed in Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and parts of Maharashtra. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Ayodhya’s Record-Breaking Deepotsav
In Ayodhya, the ‘Deepotsav-2024’ celebrations set two Guinness World Records. The Ayodhya district administration, along with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, lit over 25 lakh diyas on the Saryu River, marking the largest display of oil lamps. Another record was set for the most people performing ‘diya’ rotation simultaneously.
Doubts Revealed
Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, a state in India. She is a prominent political leader and the founder of the All India Trinamool Congress party.
Kali Puja -: Kali Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Kali, celebrated mainly in West Bengal. It involves worshipping the goddess for her strength and protection against evil.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is known for its rich culture, history, and festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
Maa Kali -: Maa Kali is a Hindu goddess known for her fierce and powerful nature. She is worshipped for her ability to destroy evil and protect her devotees.
Bhog -: Bhog is a special food offering prepared for deities during Hindu religious ceremonies. It is made with devotion and later distributed among devotees as a blessing.
Diwali -: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Ayodhya -: Ayodhya is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, known for its religious significance in Hinduism. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Guinness World Records -: Guinness World Records is a reference book published annually, listing world records of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world.
Deepotsav -: Deepotsav is a grand festival of lights celebrated in Ayodhya, especially during Diwali. It involves lighting numerous lamps (diyas) to create a spectacular display.
Diya -: A diya is a small oil lamp made of clay, used in Hindu rituals and festivals. It is lit to symbolize the removal of darkness and the arrival of light.
