Durga Puja

The social aspect of the Puja is no less important, as it brings together people in a unique convergence of fraternity and festivity. The joyous mood will persist until the goddess is immersed on the last day of the celebrations which falls today.

The Puja has traditionally been an occasion of peace and mirth which has no place for violence. But sporadic incidents of vandalism took place during the Puja celebrations over the last few years. Communal harmony is a prized possession of this society, but attacks on mandaps, though not very significant in number, laid bare the ugly face of some elements out to ruin that harmony.

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There have been reports of incidents from a few places this year also. This is a problem that should be faced up to. We believe some people, who certainly do not represent the vast majority of citizens respectful of all religious faiths, have an agenda that runs counter to the norms and practices, which form the very basis of this society. They must be reined in as a matter of top priority.

Security in and around the mandaps has been beefed up by the administration. But we must also bear in mind that deployment of law enforcers, needed to avert untoward incidents, is not the long-term answer to the problem. Society must regain the maturity and level of tolerance that it had in the past to put an end to the activities which spoil the fun of Puja celebrations.

Happy Bijoya.