Synopsis: Vishwakarma Puja was celebrated outside CM Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata with police personnel. The Chief Minister personally joined the rituals, calling it the beginning of the Durga Puja season.
Qalam Times News Network | Kolkata | September 18, 2025
Vishwakarma Puja at Police Office Near CM’s Home
Vishwakarma Puja was celebrated on Wednesday at the police office situated right in front of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata. The event gained special significance as the Chief Minister herself joined the rituals alongside women police officers and her sister-in-law, Lata Banerjee, mother of Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Mamata’s Personal Touch to the Festival
For years, Mamata Banerjee has observed Kali Puja at her home, fasting throughout the day and cooking offerings herself in the evening. This year, her presence at the Vishwakarma Puja near her residence added a new dimension, as the rituals were organised by the police personnel responsible for her security. “I believe Vishwakarma Puja marks the beginning of the Durga Puja celebrations,” Mamata remarked recently at the inauguration of a new ward at SSKM’s Woodburn building.
Statewide Holiday and Message to Migrant Workers
Marking the occasion, the West Bengal government declared a public holiday across all state offices. In a message on her official social media handle, Mamata extended greetings to all and explained that the holiday was meant to honour migrant workers. “This year, we are recognising the contribution of migrant labourers by declaring a public holiday on Vishwakarma Puja,” she wrote.
Celebrations Across the State
While Mamata attended the puja near her residence, the Trinamool Bhavan also hosted its own Vishwakarma Puja, led by State Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay. The simultaneous celebrations reflect how deeply the festival is woven into Bengal’s cultural fabric.
Political Context and Significance
Observers noted that Mamata’s active participation carried symbolic weight, especially against the backdrop of attacks on Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. The West Bengal government has already announced projects to bring back workers to the state, making her presence at the puja a politically resonant gesture.
