This year the onset of Durga Puja in Kolkata embraced a remarkable gleam as Harbhajan Singh, former Indian spinner and current AAP MP, inaugurated the idol at Ashoknagar Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Tollygunge. His appearance was not simply ceremonial but conveyed a belonging of nostalgia, appreciation, and traditional acceptance.
Harbhajan Singh, also known as the “Turbanator” of Indian cricket, was welcomed with booming cheers and acclamation as he took the stage at the inauguration. The cricket icon embraces the cultural period of Bengal, dressed in traditional attire, a bright turban, and an Assamese gamosa around his neck, bringing affection and elegance into the event. Alongside bright lights, soulful dhak beats, and elaborately crafted idols, the atmosphere reflected the long-standing tradition of Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which is now recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.A moment of reflection proved to be an emotional buzz when he said, “Eden made me.” Harbhajan remembered him from playing seven test matches at Kolkata’s Eden Garden and taking 46 wickets—six five-wicket matches and a ten-wicket match haul included—becoming the top Test wicket-taker at the stadium to date. Harbhajan shared that Kolkata is not merely another city to him; it has made him the player that he has become. “This is my city too because Kolkata made me.”-He added.
The cricketer continued to praise Saurav Ganguly, calling him “elder brother” and acknowledging the player for backing him up during his difficult periods. As Ganguly is expected to return as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the relationship between the duo will bring meaningful significance to the ongoing celebratory gathering. He has also expressed deep sincerity and gratitude towards Maa Durga and prayed for blessings and goodwill for all those present and beyond. He chanted, “I pray Maa Durga showers her blessings on everyone … everyone stays happy and healthy”.
Kolkata Durga Puja is all about the celebration of art, creativity, craft, culture, and societal sentiments following religious ritual. This year’s inauguration holds an added layer of humanity: a sports icon honoring cultural heritage and paying homage to traditions and expressing a bond with a city in an uplifting narrative. As pandals throughout the city gear up to host thousands of attendees in the coming days, Harbhajan’s notable visit and words of affirmation—”Eden made me. Kolkata made me— will live in countless hearts as shared memories.
