Mamata Banerjee Reacts To The Demand That Bengal Ban The Durga Puja Festival: "They Ought to Know..."

 Amid growing calls from certain protest groups to boycott the Durga Puja festival in light of the disturbing rape and murder case at R.G. Kar Medical College, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the issue on Wednesday. She spoke at the launch of the special puja edition of the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) publication, *Jago Bangla* (Wake up, Bengal), where she strongly defended the importance of festivals in the state’s cultural identity.

Mamata Banerjee Reacts To The Demand That Bengal Ban The Durga Puja Festival: "They Ought to Know..."

Responding to the concerns raised by some, Banerjee stressed that West Bengal’s traditions are inseparable from its year-round festivities. "There are many asking why we are indulging in celebrations during such times," she remarked. "But they must understand that the essence of Bengal is rooted in its rich culture of celebrations. Our festivals are for everyone, and they bring people together."

She pointed out that Durga Puja, in particular, is a much-anticipated festival, not just for religious reasons but as a community event that kicks off the entire festive season. "People wait all year for Durga Puja," Banerjee added. "And after Durga Puja, there’s a cascade of festivals—Diwali, Kali Puja, Chhath Puja—that continues all the way until Christmas."

In the same speech, Banerjee addressed the ongoing unrest among junior doctors, who have resumed their full-scale strike just ahead of Durga Puja. A day prior, the Supreme Court had urged doctors to resume essential services while negotiations continue. However, the doctors have remained firm in their protest, demanding the government address their concerns regarding safety and security in hospitals.

The strike initially began on August 9, following the discovery of a junior doctor’s body in a seminar room at R.G. Kar Medical College, where she was allegedly raped and murdered. Despite Banerjee’s repeated pleas to the doctors during the first 42-day phase of their strike, which lasted until late September, the protests have intensified. Banerjee had previously requested that the junior doctors return to work, noting that the people of Bengal have been eagerly awaiting the Durga Puja celebrations, and such disruptions could dampen the festive spirit.

Banerjee’s remarks underscore the deep cultural significance of Durga Puja in West Bengal, where festivals serve not only as religious events but as key moments of community bonding and celebration. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the protests, she reaffirmed that the state's spirit of festivity must continue, as it reflects the values and identity of Bengal itself.