Kolkata is gearing up for a unique and patriotic Durga Puja celebration this year, with the Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samiti choosing "Operation Sindoor" as its central theme. This decision, announced by BJP leader and local councilor Sajal Ghosh, the chief organizer of the Puja, has already ignited considerable interest and some political debate. The Durga Puja will showcase replicas of advanced Indian weaponry, including the S-400 missile system and the BrahMos cruise missile, alongside traditional festive elements.
"Operation Sindoor," in the context of this Durga Puja, refers to the recent cross-border military strike conducted by the Indian armed forces on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The organizers aim to celebrate the valor of the Indian armed forces and evoke a sense of national pride among the Puja's visitors. The S-400, a Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile system, gained prominence during "Operation Sindoor" for its role in intercepting incoming missiles and drones. The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, was reportedly used for precision strikes on enemy military installations. Showcasing these weapons systems as replicas will give devotees a sense of India's defense capabilities.
Sajal Ghosh announced the theme via a social media post, emphasizing that Santosh Mitra Square Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samiti has refused to accept the annual financial grant provided by the West Bengal government to community puja organizers. Ghosh views the grant as a misuse of public funds at a time when the government faces difficulties in meeting basic civic expenses. Santosh Mitra Square was one of the first Durga Puja committees to reject the grant. Last year, several other Puja committees followed suit, citing public anger over the rape and murder of a junior doctor and alleged cover-up attempts by the administration.
In 2023, the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja theme was the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah attending the celebrations. Santosh Mitra Square is notable as one of the few prominent Durga Pujas in West Bengal not controlled by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). It is the only major Puja in the state led by a BJP leader, and it rivals TMC-led Pujas in terms of scale and public attendance.
The selection of "Operation Sindoor" as the theme has triggered political reactions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the name is politically motivated, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using it to promote "sindoor" for electoral advantage. BJP leaders have countered these allegations, accusing the Chief Minister of echoing Pakistani narratives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also accused Mamata Banerjee of opposing Operation Sindoor to "appease" the Muslim votebank.
The "Sindoor Khela," a traditional ritual where Bengali women apply sindoor to each other during Durga Puja, holds deep cultural significance in the region. Prime Minister Modi has invoked this connection to reinforce India's stance against terrorism. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose criticized Amit Shah for "trying to politicize the purity of sindoor," while also questioning the security arrangements in border villages during military drills.
Despite the political controversy, the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja is expected to draw large crowds eager to witness the unique blend of patriotism and tradition. The organizers are working to create an immersive experience that honors the armed forces while maintaining the spiritual essence of Durga Puja. The event promises to be a significant attraction during the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, showcasing a blend of artistic expression and national pride.
