Amit Shah Opens Two Iconic Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata, Pays Homage to Vidyasagar

Kolkata, September 26, 2025 — Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation  Amit Shah today inaugurated the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal as well as the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre Durga Puja Pandal in the heart of Kolkata. He also offered prayers at the revered Kalighat Temple, seeking blessings from Goddess Kali.

Speaking at the Santosh Mitra Square celebration,  Shah highlighted that Navratri’s nine-day devotion to Goddess Shakti has become a global celebration, drawing admirers far beyond Bengal and India. He observed that every generation—children, youth, and elders alike—participates with equal fervor, making this festival an enduring symbol of Bengal’s spiritual heritage.

The Home Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India” depends on the progress of Bengal. Expressing confidence about the upcoming Assembly elections, he said that “with Mother Durga’s blessings, a government will be formed that will realize the dream of a Sonar Bangla—safe, peaceful, and prosperous, rich in water and wealth, reflecting the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore.”

Shah also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the recent heavy rains in Kolkata, where over ten lives were tragically lost.

Earlier in the day, he paid floral tributes to the legendary reformer and educationist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, lauding Vidyasagar’s lifetime dedication to the Bengali language, culture, grammar, and especially women’s education. “His contribution to education during colonial times remains unforgettable, not only for Bengal but for the entire nation,” Shah remarked.