Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.): In what marks the state's first Durga Puja celebrations following the recent change of government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit West Bengal on Maha Saptami. According to official sources, Shah will begin his day with a visit to Belur Math before touring several prominent community puja pandals across the city to take part in the festivities.

Durga Puja holds profound cultural and emotional significance for the people of Bengal, representing a year-round anticipation. The celebrations this year carry distinct political and cultural resonance, being the first major festive season under the BJP-led state government. A large-scale event organized at Eden Gardens on the evening of Mahalaya had already signaled the administration's intent to mark the festival with heightened prominence. Shah was initially slated to attend the Mahalaya program at Eden Gardens, though that visit was ultimately called off.

Following the cancellation of his earlier schedule, sources confirmed that the Home Minister will spend the entirety of Maha Saptami participating in festive engagements. According to his itinerary, Shah will pay homage at Belur Math in the morning before proceeding to inspect the Deshbandhu Club puja in Bally. Around 1:30 PM, he is scheduled to visit the Chetla 24 Pally pandal, followed by a visit to the historic Shovabazar Rajbari at 2:00 PM, concluding his tour at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh