The Government of West Bengal on Thursday unveiled plans to annually celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday as "Annapurna Divas" across the state, marking a significant cultural and political initiative aimed at weaving a new symbolic tradition into the state's civic calendar. The launch event saw the participation of several celebrated women sportspersons from West Bengal, who formally inaugurated the programme.
Poulami Ghatak, India's former senior women's hockey player and one of the country's most capped hockey internationals, alongside Olympic-qualified shooter Indu Puri and national-level handball player Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, were present at the inauguration ceremony. Their involvement was seen as an effort to blend sporting excellence with civic cultural initiatives, drawing public attention to the newly announced observance.
The choice of the name "Annapurna" carries deep cultural resonance in West Bengal and across eastern India. Annapurna, whose name literally translates to "one who provides food," is a widely worshipped Hindu goddess associated with nourishment and sustenance. By associating PM Modi's birthday with this deity, the government has framed the observance around themes of food security, welfare, and nourishment — areas where the central government has promoted various schemes such as free ration distribution and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana during the pandemic era.
Political analysts note that the initiative reflects the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's broader strategy of cultural integration in states with strong regional identities like West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress has long dominated the political landscape. The move is also consistent with similar celebrations of national figures and symbols being promoted in other states governed by BJP-led alliances.
The first edition of Annapurna Divas is expected to feature events centered on community feeding programmes, nutritional awareness campaigns, and cultural functions across districts in West Bengal. Local authorities have been directed to organize activities that highlight the state's food culture alongside the federal government's welfare initiatives.
