Monday, December 15, 2025
ADVT 
India

‘Azaan' At Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Triggers Controversy

Darpan News Desk IANS, 08 Oct, 2019 07:35 PM

    A city Durga Puja committee has triggered a controversy by playing Azaan--a Muslim call for prayer-- along with Sanskrit hymns as the theme music of the festivities.


    The organisers says it was was in line with the "communal harmony" theme chosen by the committee for this year's puja.


    Santanu Singha, a Calcutta High Court lawyer, said he filed a complaint at Beleghata police station on Friday accusing the organisers of "disturbing peace and tranquility" in West Bengal.


    Police, however, said they are yet to receive a complaint.


    "I was shocked to find Azaan being played every 10-15 minutes inside the puja pandal. They are saying the theme is communal harmony. What kind of communal harmony are they preaching by hurting the sentiments of Hindus during Durga Puja?" Mr Singha said on Monday.


    Mr Singha said he has decided to move court against the organisers.


    The chief patron of the puja committee, Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Pal, said the theme of the puja is "Amra Ek, Eka Noi" (We are one, not alone). He said apart from Azaan, the ''Om'' mantra is also being played.


    Hindu Jagran Manch leader Vivek Singh also threatened to move court.


    "In the name of puja theme, can we actually play with the theme of Durga Puja, play with our religion. An FIR has been filed at Phoolbagan police station and, if needed, we will take the legal route against Paresh Pal and his associates," Mr Singh said.


    Paresh Pal, on the other hand, said the puja pandal has motifs of temple, church and mosque to project the spirit of inclusiveness.


    "The puja pandal has motifs of a temple, a church and a mosque to project the spirit of our inclusiveness. We have endeavoured to show that humanity is above barriers in our decoration and theme song," Mr Pal said.


    "Let them file an FIR or take the legal route. We will fight it out," he added.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Jassi Sidhu 'Honour Killing': 19 Years On, Charges Framed Against Mother Malkit Kaur Sidhu , Uncle Surjit Singh Badesha

    Jassi Sidhu 'Honour Killing': 19 Years On, Charges Framed Against Mother Malkit Kaur Sidhu , Uncle Surjit Singh Badesha
    “The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Smriti Dhir framed charges under sections 302 , 307 and 120-B against Malkiat Kaur and Badesha.    

    Jassi Sidhu 'Honour Killing': 19 Years On, Charges Framed Against Mother Malkit Kaur Sidhu , Uncle Surjit Singh Badesha

    Amitabh Bachchan Praises Mumbai Metro On Social Media

    Amitabh Bachchan Praises Mumbai Metro On Social Media
    Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has praised the Mumbai Metro on social media and said that it is a solution for pollution.    

    Amitabh Bachchan Praises Mumbai Metro On Social Media

    Hindus In This Bihar Village Cross Religious Lines To Maintain Centuries-Old Mosque

    Hindus In This Bihar Village Cross Religious Lines To Maintain Centuries-Old Mosque
    The village also celebrates Hindu and Muslim festivals together in keeping with the country's traditional syncretic culture.

    Hindus In This Bihar Village Cross Religious Lines To Maintain Centuries-Old Mosque

    Urmila Quashes Rumours Of Joining Shiv Sena

    Former Mumbai Congress leader and Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar on Tuesday dismissed all political speculation that she will be joining the Shiv Sena, ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.    

    Urmila Quashes Rumours Of Joining Shiv Sena

    Trump Joining Modi Event Will Be Message For World: Jaishankar

    US President Donald Trump joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diaspora event in Houston next week will be a message for the world and it is up to Pakistan what they wish to read, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said here on Tuesday.

    Trump Joining Modi Event Will Be Message For World: Jaishankar

    PM Narendra Modi Lauds Patel’s Vision, Says J-K Decision Inspired By Him

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the vision of Sardar Patel, saying the BJP-led government’s decision on Jammu and Kashmir last month was an inspiration from the former home minister of India.    

    PM Narendra Modi Lauds Patel’s Vision, Says J-K Decision Inspired By Him