Pranab’s link with Goddess Durga

Ms. Mukherjee worships the Goddess at Miriti, his ancestral village near Kirnahar in Birbhum district, 200 km from Kolkata.

“The puja is around 100 years old. Pranab’s grandfather late Jangaleswar Mukherjee started the puja,” said Goutam Roy, who has been looking after puja arrangements for the last couple of years.

“After him, Kamadakinkar Mukherjee, father of Pranab Mukherjee continued it. Pranab babu does the same,” he said.

Mr. Mukherjee himself performs the puja on Mahastami puja, the second day of the four day festival, with thousands of people including villagers, party workers, family members visiting Miriti.