Mamata Banerjee to lay foundation stone of Mahakal Temple in Siliguri on January 16
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to formally begin work on a major new religious and cultural landmark in North Bengal with the laying of the foundation stone for the proposed Mahakal Temple in Siliguri on January 16. The ceremony will take place during her two-day visit to the region, marking a significant step in the state government’s broader effort to develop religious infrastructure and tourism hubs across West Bengal.
The project, which is being described as the largest Mahakal Temple in the state, is expected to become a major centre of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva while also contributing to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related services. After the foundation-laying event in Siliguri, the Chief Minister will proceed to Jalpaiguri on January 17 for official programmes linked to her North Bengal tour.
A promise made after natural disasters
The idea for the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri did not emerge in isolation. It traces back to the Chief Minister’s visits to North Bengal following severe natural disasters that struck the region in October last year. Those events caused widespread disruption to communities in hill and foothill areas, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and parts of the Terai.
During one of her visits to Darjeeling, Mamata Banerjee had offered prayers at the historic Mahakal Mandir, a well-known shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva that holds deep religious and cultural significance for local residents and pilgrims. It was at that time that she announced the state government’s intention to build a larger Mahakal Temple in Siliguri, a city that serves as the gateway to North Bengal and a major transit hub for travellers heading to the hills and neighbouring states.
By placing the new temple in Siliguri, the government aims to make it more accessible to devotees from across North Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, and even neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
Land, facilities and a trust to run the project
According to the state government’s plan, land for the Mahakal Temple complex has already been identified and will be provided free of cost. This is meant to ensure that the project can proceed without delays related to land acquisition and to underline the government’s support for the initiative.
Beyond the main shrine, the temple complex is being designed as a multi-purpose religious and cultural space. A convention centre will be part of the development, allowing the site to host religious gatherings, cultural programmes, and community events. One of the key features of the complex will be the installation of what is planned to be the largest Shiva idol in West Bengal, a move that is likely to draw both devotees and tourists.
To ensure long-term management and transparency, a trust board will be formed to oversee the administration, maintenance, and activities of the temple. Such a structure is intended to keep day-to-day operations separate from political leadership while still allowing public accountability.
From announcement to action
The Chief Minister had earlier indicated that the foundation stone would be laid in the second week of January. However, due to scheduling and logistical reasons, the event was shifted to the third week. With the date now confirmed for January 16, preparations are being coordinated by the district administration, which is responsible for managing security, logistics, and arrangements for the Chief Minister’s visit.
Once the foundation stone is laid, construction work is expected to begin shortly thereafter. While no official completion timeline has yet been announced for the Mahakal Temple, the government has indicated that it wants the project to move forward at a steady pace.
Part of a wider religious infrastructure push
The Mahakal Temple project fits into a broader pattern of religious and cultural infrastructure development by the West Bengal government. In recent years, the state has announced or begun work on several major projects aimed at creating large-scale pilgrimage and cultural centres.
One of the most prominent examples is the Jagannath Temple at Digha, a coastal town in Purba Medinipur district that is being promoted as a major spiritual and tourism destination. Another is the Durga Angan project in New Town near Kolkata, which is envisioned as a permanent cultural complex dedicated to Goddess Durga and Bengal’s rich festival traditions. The foundation stone for Durga Angan was laid in December, and the Chief Minister has stated that it is expected to be completed within two years.
Supporters of these projects argue that they not only strengthen cultural and religious identity but also generate employment and economic activity through tourism, construction, and related services.
Local impact and broader significance
For Siliguri and the wider North Bengal region, the Mahakal Temple could have a lasting impact. The city is already a key commercial and transport centre, connecting West Bengal with the Northeast, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Bihar. A large, well-developed temple complex has the potential to increase footfall from pilgrims and visitors, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and small businesses.
At the same time, religious infrastructure projects often attract close public attention, especially when funded or supported by the government. While many welcome the cultural and economic benefits, others emphasise the need for transparency, inclusivity, and a balanced approach that also prioritises healthcare, education, and disaster preparedness in a region that has faced repeated natural challenges.
Looking ahead
The foundation-laying ceremony on January 16 will mark the official beginning of what is expected to become one of West Bengal’s most prominent Shiva temples. As construction moves forward, attention will turn to how the project is executed, how it is managed by the proposed trust, and how it integrates with the social and economic fabric of Siliguri and North Bengal.
For now, the event signals the state government’s intention to invest in religious and cultural landmarks as part of its wider development strategy, with the Mahakal Temple set to become a new focal point for faith, tourism, and regional identity in the years to come.
