India, Feb. 20 -- Amid the backlash over her remark calling the Maha Kumbh 'Mrityu Kumbh,' West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that she respects all religions and cultures.

She also added that while religion is a personal matter, religious festivals are for everyone to enjoy."Who said I do not respect my religion? Remember, religion belongs to an individual but festivals are for all. In our country, we have several states and each of them has different languages, education, cultures and beliefs. But we respect all cultures and that is why unity in diversity is our philosophy and ideology," she said.Banerjee made the statement while addressing a programme following the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Narayana H...