Kolkata: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has denounced an oft-repeated quote of former CM Mamata Banerjee, “religion belongs to individuals, but festivals belong to everyone” as unacceptable and called for its rephrasing to “religion belongs to individuals, and festivals belong to those individuals, too”.“Religion belongs to individuals, but festivals belong to everyone—this does not happen. Practically no religion accepts this. In the festivals of other religions, how many Hindus have been invited to cut the ribbon? They are the bearers and protectors of their own culture, and we respect their dignity. Whatever constitutes Hindu culture, emotion and enthusiasm within our religion will be carried forward by Hindu Sanatanis alone. Therefore, religion belongs to individuals, and festivals belong to those individuals, too,” said Swami Nirgunananda, Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad secretary, on Wednesday. He was speaking at an interactive session with Durga Puja organisers, including members of Forum for Durgotsav, a platform representing nearly 500 major pujas in the city and beyond.“Everyone has the right to follow his/her own religious practices, so we cannot demean our traditional culture. People from other religions should definitely visit pandals but it is our duty to protect our religious activities,” he added, sending a clear message that only Hindus should be involved in organising Durga Puja in Bengal.In Bengal, several puja committees have Hindus and Muslims participating equally in the organisation of Durga Puja. “In Kidderpore, pujas such as Palli Sharodiya, 24 Palli and Kidderpore Club have always had Muslim participation. Similarly, there are pujas in Behala, Rashbehari and Bhowanipore, where Sikhs participate. Any diktat to exclude residents from one of the biggest social events will be a challenge,” said a Forum member. Several Durga Puja organisers questioned how Muslims could be excluded when nearly 20% of the workforce involved in Durga Puja preparations, including pandal makers, belonged to the community.At the interactive session, the speakers stressed the importance of following traditional rituals associated with Durga Puja without compromise. Raktim Das, VHP south Bengal spokesperson, said, “We want to make it clear that Durga Puja should be performed following all required rituals.”Puja organisers were told there should be no distortion in the goddess’s image. “Our understanding from the discussion is that while theme pujas are fine, the Durga idol should be clad properly. Radical representations will be frowned upon,” said a member of the Forum for Durgotsav.After the meeting, members of the organisation demanded that pandals be designed to ensure Hindu culture and heritage are upheld. Referring to a pandal that replicated Burj Khalifa, Swami Nirgunananda said they would oppose any similar creation. “We are not against theme pujas, but in the name of themes, a section of organisers go overboard. In the name of creativity, they used shoes and broken glass bangles, depicted Durga as a widow, or used the 10 hands of Durga for govt scheme propaganda. Can these things be tolerated? Durga idols should look like what they actually are. We will not tolerate distortion. Other idols, and even asura, should not be distorted,” he said.VHP members clarified that no puja would be stopped and that any puja organiser, feeling pressured, could seek their help. This year, the VHP will give awards to organisers who conduct the puja according to religious rituals. It will also award the best priest. The organisation said the prizes would not be monetary but would consist of items used in puja rituals.The VHP urged organisers to follow religious procedures during immersion, too. Swami Nirgunananda said they had no objection to non-vegetarian food stalls outside puja premises, provided sattvik customs were followed inside the venue.Anjan Ukil from the Forum for Durgotsav said, “Most puja organisers follow proper rituals and customs but it is true that some have distorted them earlier. Whatever proposals they have given will be placed at the next meeting of the Forum and discussed with other members.”
