Friday, May 17, 2024
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

    Special Commandos To Guard Sensitive Stations On Vande Bharat Train Route

    The first Vande Bharat Express launched between Delhi and Varanasi earlier this year had faced incidents of stone throwing enroute, damaging its window panes.  

    Special Commandos To Guard Sensitive Stations On Vande Bharat Train Route

    Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP To Finalise Punjab Bypolls Strategy On Saturday

    The meeting, which will be attended by Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab BJP president Shwait Malik, will be held in Jalandhar.

    Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP To Finalise Punjab Bypolls Strategy On Saturday

    Article 370 A Mistake, Pak Reaction Sign Of 'Bankruptcy': Harish Salve

    The judgement was in the favour of the Indian government in connection with funds associated with the Nizam of Hyderabad dating back to Partition in 1947.

    Article 370 A Mistake, Pak Reaction Sign Of 'Bankruptcy': Harish Salve

    Smartphone Industry Defies Slowdown, Record Festive Sales Expected

    Smartphone Industry Defies Slowdown, Record Festive Sales Expected
    Apple is in for a bumper festive season sales and the iPhone 11 series -- starting from Rs 58,900 -- has registered very strong demand from the consumers in the country.

    Smartphone Industry Defies Slowdown, Record Festive Sales Expected

    Deep-rooted Turkey-Pakistan Nuclear Links Behind Erdogan's Anti-India Stance?

    Is there a highly secretive N-connection to the burgeoning relations between Pakistan and Turkey, besides of religion, that is making Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan so sharp in his comments against India?

    Deep-rooted Turkey-Pakistan Nuclear Links Behind Erdogan's Anti-India Stance?

    Amarinder Singh Urges PM Narendra Modi To Build Canals On Sutlej, Ravi And Beas Rivers

    Amarinder Singh Urges PM Narendra Modi To Build Canals On Sutlej, Ravi And Beas Rivers
    In his proposal, presented to PM Narendra Modi, Amarinder Singh also underlined the need to harness the river water which was currently flowing into Pakistan during the monsoon.  

    Amarinder Singh Urges PM Narendra Modi To Build Canals On Sutlej, Ravi And Beas Rivers