West Bengal Governor Calls on Youth to Restore State's Lost Glory Amid Political Tensions The political landscape in West Bengal has intensified following a speech by newly appointed Governor RN Ravi, who urged the state's youth to play a pivotal role in reviving the region's lost prestige. Ravi's remarks, delivered during the Bengali New Year celebrations, sparked a wave of debate and criticism, particularly from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the governor of undermining the state's interests. Ravi, a former Intelligence Bureau officer, began his address at the famous Kali Ghata Kali Mandir in Kolkata, where he performed a puja before addressing a gathering at the city's Lok Bhavan. He highlighted the historical significance of West Bengal as a hub of culture, literature, and economic prosperity, emphasizing that the state had fallen behind in recent years. "The state has lost its former glory, and it is up to every citizen to restore it," Ravi stated. He called for collective action, urging people to embrace change and take responsibility for the state's development. The governor also presented data on the decline of West Bengal's economy over the past few years, citing a contraction in the state's overall economic growth. This came amid growing concerns about the state's fiscal health and its ability to compete with other Indian states. Ravi's speech was seen as a direct challenge to the ruling party, which has faced criticism for its handling of economic policies and governance. Mamata Banerjee swiftly responded to Ravi's remarks, accusing him of hypocrisy and failing to address the state's challenges. "He should have extended well-wishes to the people of Bengal on the occasion of the New Year, but instead, he criticized me," Banerjee said.#kolkata #mamata_banerjee #west_bengal #rn_ravi #bengali_new_year
Bengali New Year 1433 Marks Arrival of Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja The Bengali New Year 1433, celebrated as Poila Baisakh, begins on April 15, 2026, with the worship of Lakshmi and Ganesh on the first day. This date, determined by the Chandra-Saur calendar, marks the start of the new year for Bengali Hindus, who regard it as a sacred occasion for performing auspicious rituals and beginning new ventures. The celebration is deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions, reflecting the unique calendar system that has shaped Bengali society for centuries. The origins of the Bengali calendar trace back to the Mughal era, when Emperor Akbar initiated reforms to align the lunar calendar with agricultural cycles. Prior to these changes, the Hijri calendar, which followed the Islamic lunar system, was used for administrative purposes. Akbar’s decision to create a calendar based on the harvest season ensured greater alignment with the rhythms of rural life, leading to the adoption of the term "Bangla" or "Bengali year." This system has since become a cornerstone of Bengali identity, blending religious and practical significance. The first day of the new year, April 15, 2026, is considered highly auspicious for rituals such as the worship of Lakshmi and Ganesh, deities symbolizing prosperity and wisdom. Devotees are advised to perform these ceremonies early in the morning, with specific timings for key rituals. For instance, the Amrity Yoga, a period believed to enhance spiritual energy, spans from 7:01 AM to 11:12 AM, while the Mahendrayoga, associated with planetary alignments, occurs between 1:31 PM and 8:56 PM. These timings are critical for maximizing the spiritual benefits of the day.#bengali_new_year #poila_baisakh #lakshmi_ganesh_puja #chandra_saur_calendar #mughal_emperor_akbar
