From being a prominent minister in the Union Cabinet to the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee reached the pinnacle of success in his four decades of political life. But he has never forgotten his own roots. He would mandatorily visit the village of Mirati in Birbhum, his ancestral home, during Durga puja every year. The late former president would also recite Chandi Path while sitting in the Durga mandap.
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Durga Puja started in 1896 by Pranab Mukherjee’s grandfather Taraknath Mukherjee at his home in the village of Mirati in Kirnahar. After the death of Pranab Mukherjee’s father Kamdakinkar Mukherjee in 1956, Pranab took charge of the family puja.
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He had to stay in Delhi all over the year due to work. But the former President could not be found in the capital during the time of Durga puja. On the morning of the first day of Durga puja, Pranab Mukherjee’s helicopter would land at Parota village. He would stay at his sister’s house for the night.
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On the morning of Saptami (second day of Durga puja), Pranab Mukherjee would wear a dhoti and uttariya and go to a nearby river to fill earthen pots for the puja. He would recite Chandi Path in the Durga mandap for four days in a row.
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At the time of Durga Puja, the door of the famous house of Mirati village remains open. Not only the Congress but also the leaders of various political parties attend the Durga puja. Friends, acquaintances, and many visitors would be present to meet Pranab Mukherjee.
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Once again, there will be celebrations of Durga puja in Pranab Mukherjee’s ancestral house but this year he won’t be seen. Residents of Mirati village mourned the death of Pranab Mukherjee. A lamp was lit in front of the photo of Pranab Mukherjee at the ancestral home on Monday (August 31) night to pay tribute to the late former president.
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