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BJP leaders and workers, who are also swayamsevaks, are expected to join these programmes across different parts of West Bengal on Mahalaya
Every year, the RSS welcomes Durga with programmes from different districts.(Image: AFP/File)
The RSS is planning to mark its centenary by holding more than 300 rallies in West Bengal, coinciding with Mahalaya – at the same time ushering in Durga Puja – next Sunday on September 21.
Mahalaya is believed to be the day Durga descends onto the Earth from her heavenly abode, marking the beginning of puja festivities.
On this day, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will organise rallies and route marches. The Bengal unit of the Sangh is divided into three provincial (prant) committees – north, central, and south Bengal.
According to the plan, Sangh gatherings will be held in all three provinces. The RSS has at least 52 all-India affiliate organisations, along with several regional affiliates in West Bengal.
All these organisations are being invited together for the centenary celebrations. This means organisations such as Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Samskar Bharati, Shikshan Mandal, Sahkar Bharati, Shaikshik Mahasangh, and Seemanta Chetna, among others, will not hold separate programmes, gatherings, or marches this year.
Sources said the plan is to organise a unified show of strength of the entire Sangh Parivar. BJP leaders and workers, who are also swayamsevaks, are expected to join these programmes across different parts of the state on Mahalaya.
Every year, the RSS welcomes Durga with programmes from different districts. This time, the plan is to organise more than one rally and route march from each district.
“This is going to be very vital for us. We will welcome Maa and also celebrate our 100 years at the same time. Everywhere, ekatrikaran (unification), rallies, and route marches will take place,” South Bengal Prabhar Pramukh Biplab Roy said.
With the Bengal assembly elections due next year, a section of experts believes the Sangh may play a crucial role in the political landscape. That is why this Mahalaya programme is being viewed with wider political significance. Over the past two years, the number of shakhas in Bengal has seen notable growth.
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
September 18, 2025, 07:00 IST
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