West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday thanked the people for making the Durga Puja celebrations “joyful” and the police and administration for making it “smooth and peaceful”.
“At the end of Durga Puja, the biggest festival in the world, I would like to thank the crores of people who visited the puja mandaps and participated in the festivities and made the festival celebration so joyful,” Ms. Banerjee wrote on her Facebook wall.
“I would also like to thank the puja committees, clubs and all communities for their total cooperation and overwhelming support.
“I thank the police and civil administration for their tireless endeavour to make the puja celebration smooth, peaceful and disciplined,” she stated.
Idols to be showcased
The Chief Minister also invited the people to be part of Tuesday’s carnival at the Red Road, where around 70 of the major idols would be showcased.
“Some of the noted puja organisers will be participating in the carnival at Red Road on October 3 (tomorrow), being organised by the State government for the second time. I invite all of you to come and witness the beautiful event,” Ms. Banerjee added.
Special lighting installations and a separate gallery for foreign delegates are among the arrangements for the grand immersion carnival, which would showcase this year’s award-winning Durga idols.
Besides the Chief Minister, other senior officials of the State government and foreign consulates, foreign tourists and visiting delegates from different countries for the FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup are scheduled to participate in the event.
High turnout likely
Wooden galleries decorated with posters of ‘Pujor Bisarjon - Bishes Sovajatra 2017’, have been set up on both sides of Red Road.
Expecting a high turnout from other states and the city, a separate gallery has been made for foreign tourists and delegates.
“Rain had hampered our preparations in the last few days, but we have managed to complete the work for the carnival. Stage is ready and we are busy with the final touches,” a senior State government official, supervising the work for the carnival, said.