West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s proposal to set up a ‘Durga Angan’ — a temple-like complex dedicated to Goddess Durga — received cabinet approval on Monday. The project will be developed jointly by the state tourism department and the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).

Bengal Tourism Minister Aroop Biswas said a dedicated trust will be formed to oversee the construction, though its members are yet to be named.

The exact site for the project has not been finalised, but it is expected to come up in Kolkata or nearby areas. The government will soon decide on the budget.

The idea for the ‘Durga Angan’ was first announced by the Chief Minister on July 21 during the Sahid Diwas rally at Dharmatala. Officials say the complex will serve as both a cultural landmark and a tourist attraction, similar to the recently built Jagannath Dham in Digha.

The initiative comes after Unesco recognised Bengal’s Durga Puja as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2021, a milestone that the state government has repeatedly highlighted as a matter of pride. “Unesco has honoured Bengal’s Durga Puja. The Chief Minister has honoured this recognition by announcing the construction of Durga Angan,” Biswas said.

While the project has been pitched as a tribute to Bengal’s traditions, political observers see it as having electoral undertones.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked slogans like ‘Jai Maa Durga’ and ‘Jai Maa Kali’ during his speeches in the state, including one in Durgapur. The BJP’s use of Bengali religious symbols has drawn sharp reactions from Trinamool Congress leaders, including party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The ‘Durga Angan’ is expected to showcase various aspects of Durga Puja — from artistry and rituals to history and community participation. State officials believe it will attract tourists year-round, not just during the Puja season, and could boost the local economy.

The project is part of Mamata Banerjee’s broader push to blend cultural heritage with tourism infrastructure. With the cabinet’s nod, planning will move forward once the location, trust members, and budget are finalised.

If executed as envisioned, the ‘Durga Angan’ could become another iconic site in Kolkata, reinforcing the city’s identity as the heart of Bengal’s festive and cultural life.

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