Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojonin Unveils PM Modi Mural

The historic Durga Puja committee commemorates its 91st year with a tribute mural depicting the Prime Minister performing the sacred Aarti.

KOLKATA — As preparations for the autumn festivals gain momentum, the historic Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee has unveiled a striking wall mural featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the Aarti of Goddess Durga. The artwork, revealed during the committee's "khuti pujo" ceremony held this week, marks a distinctive artistic choice for one of central Kolkata’s most prominent Durga Puja organizers as they celebrate their 91st anniversary.

The mural serves as a commemorative tribute to the Prime Minister’s previous visits to the city, specifically his 2026 visit to the nearby Thanthania Kali Bari temple. Located only a five-minute walk from the Chorbagan puja courtyard, the temple visit has become a focal point for the committee’s theme this year, which emphasizes cultural tradition and the Prime Minister’s public display of religious devotion.

A Tribute to Tradition and Faith

Pratyusha Banerjee, Secretary of the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity, stated that the mural was conceptualized to honor the Prime Minister’s religious convictions and his connection to Bengal’s cultural heritage.

"We know that our Honorable Prime Minister is a very religious person. We have seen him going to many religious places," Banerjee told reporters following the unveiling. She added that the committee members hope to see the Prime Minister participate in a Durga Puja ceremony in West Bengal in the future, noting that his presence would be a significant milestone for the 91-year-old organization.

The artwork depicts the Prime Minister in a moment of ritual worship, a theme that organizers say resonates with the committee’s commitment to "tradition, devotion, and cultural heritage." According to committee representatives, the mural is intended to remain on display throughout the year, rather than serving merely as a temporary fixture for the festival season.

Setting a New Cultural Tone

The unveiling has drawn significant attention across Kolkata, as the city prepares for its annual UNESCO-recognized Durga Puja celebrations. By incorporating political figures into festival iconography, the Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee has sparked widespread discussion regarding the intersection of religion, art, and public life in West Bengal.

Local observers have noted that this thematic choice reflects a shift in the celebratory landscape, where committees are increasingly looking to bridge local traditions with national narratives. While the mural celebrates the Prime Minister’s faith, it also highlights the competitive and evolving nature of puja pandal themes, which often serve as mirrors to the prevailing political and social climate in the state.

Official Sources

Information regarding the mural’s unveiling and the committee’s objectives is sourced from the official statements of the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity. Details were corroborated by ground reporting from ANI and local media coverage.

Quote Section

"According to officials," the mural was created to "commemorate the Prime Minister's recent visit to the nearby Thanthania Kali Bari" and to demonstrate the committee's respect for his personal faith and connection to Bengali religious traditions.

Why It Matters

This development highlights the evolving role of Durga Puja committees in Kolkata, where pandals are increasingly becoming venues for complex social and political expression. For residents and tourists, such installations are central to the festival experience, often signaling the broader cultural shifts occurring within the city's diverse and historic neighborhoods.

Key Facts at a Glance

• 91st Anniversary: Chorbagan Sarbojonin is marking 91 years of hosting one of central Kolkata’s most traditional Durga Pujas.

• The Mural: The artwork depicts PM Narendra Modi performing the Aarti of Goddess Durga, inspired by his visit to the Thanthania Kali Bari.

• Permanent Display: Unlike most pandal decorations, the committee plans to keep the mural on public display year-round.

• Cultural Context: The committee expressed a hope for the Prime Minister to visit the pavilion during the upcoming autumn festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the inspiration behind the PM Modi mural?

The mural is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous visit to the Thanthania Kali Bari temple, which is located in close proximity to the Chorbagan puja pandal.

2. Is this a temporary installation?

No, the committee has stated that the mural is intended to be a permanent fixture at the site rather than a temporary decoration for the Durga Puja festival.

3. What does the committee hope to achieve with this mural?

The committee views the mural as a tribute to the Prime Minister’s religious devotion and has expressed a desire for him to visit their puja pavilion during this year’s festivities.

Source: ANI, Eisamay, The Wall News