Saturday, June 1, 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

    No Shame In Apologising: Paresh Rawal Says Sorry To Gorakhpur Doctor Kafeel Khan

    In a rare gesture, actor Paresh Rawal has apologised to suspended Gorakhpur doctor Kafeel Khan for his derogatory tweet, made two years ago.    

    No Shame In Apologising: Paresh Rawal Says Sorry To Gorakhpur Doctor Kafeel Khan

    Immersing Idols In Ganga To Now Attract Rs. 50,000 Fine

    A directive issued by the Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga said no idol immersion should be allowed in Ganga and its tributaries.  

    Immersing Idols In Ganga To Now Attract Rs. 50,000 Fine

    Infant Hit By Stick In Fight Between Father And Neighbour In Madhya Pradesh, Dies

    The toddler's father and his neighbour got into a fight over the latter's son urinating in the street, the police said.  

    Infant Hit By Stick In Fight Between Father And Neighbour In Madhya Pradesh, Dies

    No Difference Between Congress Stand, Centre On J&K: Shashi Tharoor

    No Difference Between Congress Stand, Centre On J&K: Shashi Tharoor
    Shashi Tharoor said, "These allegations (by the BJP), that Pakistan is benefiting from our statements on the issue of Article 370, are surprising."  

    No Difference Between Congress Stand, Centre On J&K: Shashi Tharoor

    Kashmir Leaders Will Be Released In Phased Manner: Governor’s Adviser

    Political leaders under house arrest in Kashmir will be released in a phased manner after proper analysis of every individual, the Jammu and Kashmir administration said on Thursday.

    Kashmir Leaders Will Be Released In Phased Manner: Governor’s Adviser

    Watch: Scuffle Breaks Out At JNU As MoS Jitendra Singh Speaks On Article 370

    The JNU had organised a talk on "Abrogation of Article 370: Peace, Stability and Development in J&K and Ladakh" at Convention Centre. Singh, a senior leader from J&K, was invited to deliver the lecture.

    Watch: Scuffle Breaks Out At JNU As MoS Jitendra Singh Speaks On Article 370