Why is PM Modi's visit to Durga Puja pandal in Delhi's CR Park on Maha Ashtami significant?

Dressed in Bengali attires dhoti and kurta, the Prime Minister offered prayers and also did arati to goddess Durga.

Modi shared his experience on X writing, "Today, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, I went to Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park to take part in the Durga Puja celebrations. Chittaranjan Park is known for its strong association with Bengali culture.

"The celebrations truly reflect the spirit of unity and cultural vibrancy in our society. Prayed for everyone's happiness and wellbeing."

Why is Modi's visit significant?

Chittaranjan Park, popularly called CR Park, is an upscale residential neighbourhood in South East Delhi.

CR Park has a large Bengali community. It’s almost like a "mini‐Kolkata" in Delhi due to its population’s culture, food, festivals, etc.

Modi, who is the supreme leader of the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is widely viewed as an outreach to the Bengali community months ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections.

The Prime Minister is not just making an outreach to the community but also trying to reach out to the Bengali migrants, who live in Delhi but hold voting rights in West Bengal.

Earlier, Union Home Minister and BJP strongman Amit Shah inaugurated Santosh Mitra Square Puja Pandal in Kolkata last week.

Santosh Mitra Square, which has themed its pandal after Operation Sindoor, is spearheaded by Bengal BJP leader Sajal Ghosh.