Echoes of Rivalry: The Fading Passion of East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan Clashes in Delhi

Today, seventy years later, the key aspect of this article is to provide the reader a contemporary picture of Bengali’s passion for football in Delhi. Especially around the two teams from Kolkata – East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

While its heart lies in Kolkata, the excitement of these matches has extended far beyond the city, including to Delhi. Where a passionate Bengali diaspora has carried forward this legacy.

In Delhi, these matches have historically been more than just a game—they’ve been a celebration of culture, identity, and sporting pride. Fans from all walks of life would gather at stadiums, waving the red-and-gold of East Bengal or the green-and-maroon of Mohun Bagan. The matches creating an electric atmosphere turning the stands into a carnival of rivalry and camaraderie.

Though there was a fierce excitement around the East Bengal-Mohun Bagan match, the crowd made waves when they faced teams from the outside. A match between East Bengal Vs BSF or Mohun Bagan Vs JCT was met with equal enthusiasm if not more. In fact, many Bengali supporters used to come to the field with the attitude of seeing the trophy being transported to Kolkata thereby preserving Bengal’s honour.

While the two clubs virtually dominated Indian football, the fans of other teams were often irritated by the Kolkata teams’ ongoing success. This occasionally resulting in disagreements, fighting, and bloodshed, necessitating the intervention of the police. 

For Bengalis living away from their homeland, these matches have been a connection to their roots, slice of Kolkata’s football madness brought to the capital. It wasn’t just about football; it was about reliving memories, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and celebrating their shared love for the sport.

Today, sitting in the year 2024- one thing can be said clearly – East Bengal-Mohun Bagan rivalry which was once synonymous with electrifying passion and unmatched fervour, has gradually lost its sheen, especially among the younger generation. The current generation seems detached from the emotional and historical significance that once defined this storied rivalry 

For more than half a century, the presence of Kolkata’s two favourite teams at the Ambedkar Stadium, the main attraction of bone-chilling winters for expatriate Bengalis, is now nothing more than a fairy tale.