Kolkata: West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee has started inaugurating the Maa Durga Puja pandal at Pitru Paksha, three days before Mahalaya. Mamata not only went to the puja mandap but also offered garlands at the feet of the mother's statue, which has sparked a debate on social media. There is also a fierce ruckus in the political corridors. On Thursday (September 22), CM Mamata initiated the worship of Sribhoomi, Salt Lake FD Block and Tala Pada.  

বাংলার লজ্জা
পিতৃপক্ষে দুর্গাপুজোর উদ্বোধন করে দিলেন মাননীয়া। পিতৃপক্ষে পূর্ব পুরুষদের উদ্দেশে তর্পণ করা হয়। প্রেত দোষ মুক্ত করার জন্য উত্তরপুরুষ ব্রতী হন। এখন কোনও শুভ কাজ হয় না। দেবীপক্ষে নবরাত্রি শুরু হলে মায়ের আরাধনা হয়। বাঙালির সবটাই একা শেষ করে দেওয়ার সংকল্প নিয়েছেন। pic.twitter.com/56mAO14bYI

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) September 22, 2022

At the same time, critics say that the talk of tradition has become irrelevant in the inauguration of this puja by CM Mamata. In fact, the ritual of Durga Puja also changed, as it has been inaugurated only three days before the Mahalaya, which is not in accordance with the customs and tradition. CM Mamata, while inaugurating the Shribhoomi Puja first, said that the puja started on Thursday. But she is heard saying, ''Mother is not wearing jewellery yet. Forgive me.''

On this issue, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari tweeted, "Honorable Chief Minister inaugurated Durga Puja in Pitru Paksha! At this time, tarpan is offered to the ancestors and prayers are made for the peace of the ancestors. No auspicious work is done during this time. But CM Mamata alone has decided to eliminate all Bengalis.'' At the same time, senior Congress MP Pradip Bhattacharya said, "Pitru Paksha means ghost. How can Durga Puja begin at this time? CM Mamata can do whatever she wants using her administrative powers, but if you want to worship, you have to follow the rules of the scriptures.''

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