Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee used to give grants to all Durga Puja committees in West Bengal during her stint as chief minister of West Bengal. Now Suvendu Adhikari, at the helm in BJP’s first-ever government in Bengal, has announced financial assistance for Rath Yatra organisers in the state.
The West Bengal CM announced on Monday that his government will give Rs 5 lakh each to 60 Rath Yatra committees in the state.
“We have to hold on and take forward our culture and traditions. There are so many Rath Yatras in Bengal that are hundreds of years old. West Bengal was not only a cultural hub but also a place of religious traditions,” Adhikari said.
He requested the committees to use the money to renovate old chariots, especially those made of wood.
There may have been some shortcomings in preparing the list of committees that will receive financial assistance in the first year, Adhikari acknowledged, adding that he had requested that the list be viewed for the future.
“We will prepare an error-free list in the coming years. This initiative will go a long way. The tree planted today will one day become a mighty one. It will become a tradition,” the Bengal CM said.
Seva kendras (service centres) will be set up at fairs associated with traditional Rath Yatras across the state. These centres, managed by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs under his charge, will provide basic facilities to pilgrims. Municipal bodies, district administrations, the police, and the respective Rath Yatra committees will be engaged to provide these services.
Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Thursday.
The state government is also making special arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims during this year’s Shravan Mela.
Rose petals would be showered from helicopters over Kanwar pilgrims every Monday during the month of Shravan, weather permitting.
“The government is setting up service centres every five kilometres along the route from Sheoraphuli to Tarakeswar. We are undertaking development works worth Rs 15 crore to beautify Tarakeswar Dham,” Adhikari said.
