Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed her respect for the heroes of Santhal uprising on the occasion of Hool Dibas.
Banerjee tweeted: "My sincerest respects to the heroes of Santhal Uprising, Sidhu and Kanhu. We have named a university in Bengal after them. We will continue to work for the social welfare of our brothers and sisters belonging to backward communities."
Bengal observed the day through various programmes across the state. Department of Tribal Development organised various programmes throughout the state. The government started celebrating Hool Dibas since 2011, after Trinamool Congress government came to power. Homage was paid to the martyrs through various cultural programmes performed by tribal folk artists. There were exhibitions of various artifacts created by the artisans and the members of the Self-Help groups. The day marks the anniversary of Santhal Rebellion and honours the contribution of tribal martyrs Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav.
Backward Class Welfare department minister Rajib Banerjee and minister of state for Information and Cultural Affairs and Tourism Indranil Sen attended a programme at Rabindra Sadan to celebrate Hool Dibas.
North Bengal development minister Rabindranath Ghosh inaugurated Hool Utsab at Sukanta Mancha in Cooch Behar and garlanded the statues of the heroes of the Hool rebellion. The senior administrative officials also took part in the event. The programme was celebrated with the beating of drums. After inaugurating the programme Ghosh said the present government has been constantly working for the development of the
tribal people.