Kolkata, 3 September (H.S.):

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday extended her greetings to the tribal community on the occasion of the sacred Karam Puja, describing it as a festival symbolizing faith and cultural identity for tribal societies not only in Bengal but across India and the world.

In a message shared on social media, Banerjee said that while the state government had initially recognized the day as a sectional holiday, it was later elevated to the status of a state holiday to honor the traditions and contributions of the tribal community. “On this holy day, we in West Bengal celebrate with full devotion. Declaring it a state holiday reflects our respect for the customs and heritage of the tribal society,” she wrote.

The Chief Minister also recalled that November 15, the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, has been declared a government holiday in the state. Similarly, holidays have been announced on the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu and on Hul Diwas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to recognizing tribal heritage.

Banerjee emphasized that these decisions underscore the state’s deep respect and acknowledgment of the tribal community’s cultural and historical significance.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh