Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening participated in the Durga Puja festivities at Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), popularly known as Delhi’s “mini Bengal,” on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami.
The Prime Minister offered prayers at the Kali Mandir around sandhikaal – the sacred juncture between Ashtami and Navami, believed to be the moment Goddess Chamunda manifested to slay demons Chanda and Munda. He also performed sandhya aarti of Maa Durga at the pandal set up by the CR Park Durga Puja Cooperative Society, amid the rhythmic beats of dhak and ringing of temple bells.
For long-time residents of CR Park, the visit was unprecedented. Many said they could not recall an earlier instance of any Indian Prime Minister joining Durga Puja rituals in the locality, which has been a cultural hub for the Bengali community since the 1970s.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.
Wishing for joy and prosperity all around, PM Modi shared highlights from the Durga Puja celebration.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Today, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, I went to Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park to take part in the Durga Puja celebrations. Chittaranjan Park is known for its strong association with Bengali culture. The celebrations truly reflect the spirit of unity and cultural vibrancy in our society. Prayed for everyone’s happiness and wellbeing.”
Chittaranjan Park, founded in the 1960s for families displaced from East Pakistan and later renamed after nationalist leader Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, has become synonymous with grand Durga Puja celebrations. The Kali Mandir, originally built in 1973 as a Shiv temple, was later expanded to include shrines for Goddess Kali, Radha, and Krishna. Durga Puja celebrations here began in 1977 and now draw thousands of visitors every year.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Maha Ashtami. In a post on X, he said, “Heartiest greetings to all fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami of Navratri. My wish is that this sacred occasion brings happiness, peace, and excellent health into everyone’s life.”
The Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahishasur. This year, the celebrations began on September 28 (Shashthi) and will conclude on October 2 (Vijayadashami).