PM Modi, Amit Shah may skip Kolkata’s grand Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens

Kolkata: Uncertainty continues over whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the grand Mahalaya program scheduled for Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on October 10.

The mega cultural event, organized by the BJP-led West Bengal government to mark the start of Durga Puja festivities, was initially expected to feature top central leaders.

However, the latest indications suggest that Modi and Shah may skip the event. While Modi was earlier expected to attend the programme, reports have indicated that the Prime Minister is now unlikely to be present on October 10.

Shah, who was subsequently expected to attend in Modi’s place, is also not currently expected to make it to the event. The final list of political dignitaries, however, remains subject to change.

The Mahalaya programme has been planned on a massive scale, with the government preparing a cultural spectacle combining traditional Bengali traditions with large-scale modern productions.

Around 10,000 dhakis and 1,000 women are expected to participate, and the event is projected to draw nearly 45,000 people.

The programme will feature traditional performances alongside large-scale visual attractions.

A 3,000-drone show is among the major highlights planned for the evening, while 3D projection mapping, laser and lighting effects and fireworks are also part of the proposed spectacle.

Several prominent performers are expected to take part in the programme, adding to its cultural dimension. The event is also planned to reach audiences beyond Eden Gardens, with a live screening expected at around 35 locations across Kolkata.

The Mahalaya programme comes ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s biggest annual festival, and is being positioned as a major cultural event by the state government.

The uncertainty over the attendance of Modi and Shah has nevertheless emerged as the key political talking point surrounding the programme.

Modi’s possible absence comes despite earlier expectations that the Prime Minister would be part of the October 10 celebrations. Reports have also suggested that Modi could instead visit Kolkata during the later days of Durga Puja.

Shah’s expected absence adds another twist to the programme’s political guest list. He had earlier been reported to be likely to attend the Eden Gardens event after Modi’s participation appeared uncertain.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has indicated that, as things stand, neither Modi nor Shah is expected to attend the Mahalaya programme. The Governor has also been invited and could attend, subject to his schedule.

With the event only days away, the final line-up of dignitaries is expected to become clearer closer to October 10.

For now, the focus remains on the unprecedented scale of the Mahalaya celebrations, with thousands of dhakis, women participants, performers, drones, projection mapping and fireworks set to transform Eden Gardens into the centrepiece of Kolkata’s festive calendar.