Wed Apr 30 20:34:08 UTC 2025: ## New Jagannath Temple Opens in West Bengal

**Digha, West Bengal –** West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a new ₹250 crore Jagannath Temple in Digha on Wednesday. The temple, built over 20 acres and modeled after the 12th-century Puri temple, features a 210-foot-tall structure showcasing Kalinga architecture. The Chief Minister described the temple as a pilgrimage site that will spread spirituality for thousands of years. The inauguration ceremony, which included performances by Bengali artists, concluded with Ms. Banerjee opening the temple doors. The temple houses two sets of idols – one marble, one wood – of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Daily pujas will be held.

The event was highly anticipated by the ruling Trinamool Congress, with Ms. Banerjee directing the distribution of photographs and prasad (offerings) across the state and beyond. Political observers suggest the inauguration is a strategic move by the Trinamool Congress, mirroring the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya and potentially countering the BJP’s Hindutva push in the state. The BJP boycotted the event, with the Leader of Opposition focusing on rebuilding temples damaged in recent riots.

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