Close X
Thursday, November 28, 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

    Security At Amritsar Airport Beefed Up After Drone Crash

    A senior government source told IANS: "The security at the Amritsar airport has been beefed up following the recovery of drones along the India-Pak border."

    Security At Amritsar Airport Beefed Up After Drone Crash

    Indian Army Expedites Soldier's Early Retirement For His Higher Studies In Italy

    The 23-year-old son of a mechanic applied for premature retirement and the Army was quite generous in expediting his request so that he can join the course in January next year.    

    Indian Army Expedites Soldier's Early Retirement For His Higher Studies In Italy

    ‘Itna Kashmir Kiya Ke Karachi Bhool Gaye’ - Gautam Gambhir Mocks Video Of Security Arrangement For Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka ODI

    Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir has shared a video on his Twitter handle and mocked the security arrangements made for the Sri Lankan team on tour in Karachi for the limited-overs series against the Men in Green.

    ‘Itna Kashmir Kiya Ke Karachi Bhool Gaye’ - Gautam Gambhir Mocks Video Of Security Arrangement For Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka ODI

    Minor Planet Named After Pandit Jasraj, First Indian Musician To Receive This Honour

    Minor Planet Named After Pandit Jasraj, First Indian Musician To Receive This Honour
    "Blessed... in this honour one can experience only god's grace," Pandit Jasraj said from the US.    

    Minor Planet Named After Pandit Jasraj, First Indian Musician To Receive This Honour

    Make-In-India: Jaipur Boys, Men & Women Script Success Stories

    Make-In-India: Jaipur Boys, Men & Women Script Success Stories
    At a time when the slowdown stories are making news across the world, the Rajasthan capital is buzzing with stories, inspired by the 'make in India' campaign, showcasing new-age entrepreneurs making and doing things differently to make a mark.

    Make-In-India: Jaipur Boys, Men & Women Script Success Stories

    Modi Has Not Taken A Single Leave In 22 Years: Amit Shah

    Modi Has Not Taken A Single Leave In 22 Years: Amit Shah
    Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah said here on Tuesday that after a long time, the country has got a leader who works 18 hours daily.

    Modi Has Not Taken A Single Leave In 22 Years: Amit Shah