When Vision Met Devotion

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, envisaged the Jagannath Dham in Digha as more than a temple. And in its swift execution and final magnificence, it stands as a testament to how vision, strategic execution, civic planning and devotion can converge to create not just a place of worship or an engine of growth but a spiritual symbol of significance

- By Debashis Bhattacharya

It was the last day of April, 2025. Exactly three years after the groundbreaking ceremony, again on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the Jagannath Dham stood complete: in the twilight this was a gleaming silhouette against Digha's coastal sky. It had only been a couple of hours since the temple complex had been inaugurated and opened for all. On one side of the temple-arena stood Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, looking at the serpentine queue moving slowly towards the entrance of the main temple.

Quite clearly, the line consisted of hundreds and thousands of people. Devotees, tourists, some groups of foreign nationals, and yes, some curious onlookers. “Oh!”, the Chief Minister exclaimed, “but where is the end point?” An official replied, promptly and proudly, “No end in sight, Madam. Crowds are still joining the queue on the road...” She inquired whether all arrangements were in order and once satisfied that they were, softly chanted, “Joy Jagannath... He does it all!”

It is undeniable that since that day, Digha Jagannath Dham has become a new destination for people both from within and outside the state. In spite of the controversies manufactured to overshadow the enormity of the task undertaken and accomplished, the story on the ground is different. It is evident by now that nothing can spoil the spirit, enthusiasm and acceptance of the public at large to whom the project is dedicated by Banerjee. With Digha seeing a near-tenfold increase in tourist footfall, it is clear that be it pilgrimage or tourism, people are being drawn to it.