Durga Puja in Mizoram turns 102

Aizawl, Sep 29 (UNI) Celebration of Durga Puja among a small Hindu community in this predominantly Christian state turns 102 this year.

Although Christianity has brought about a near total transformation in the Mizo lifestyle and culture, Durga Puja is celebrated by the small Hindu community in the state capital, organised by Hindustan Club every year with local people's participation since 1904.

''Conceding that activities of the Hindustan club have been of a low key over the years, regular performace of Durga Puja for over 100 years by a miniscule Hindu minority community in the state is quite historic, Hindustan Club President P Chakraborty told UNI.

''Our puja celebrations, may lack the usual pomp and splendour of the pujas held in the big cities and towns in other states but our puja is observed traditionally and religiously,'' he added.

Recalling the club's history, Mr Chakraborty, who is also the state law secretary, said it was in 1904 four civilian employees of first the Assam Rifles observed Durga Puja in their complex along with some of the belivers here. Inspired by the occasion, it was then decided to form a club to carry on the puja for the years to come. The celebration however, did not remain only among the Hindu in the small town.

''I do not see anything wrong for a Christian to participate in the Hindu religious functions'', said, Mizoram Congress Party president John Lalsangzuala, who had participating in the celebrations since 1975.

During this period a number of Christians used to participate in Durga Puja celebrations and I was one of them, he added.

Mr John, who also served Mizoram as a cabinet minister for a number of terms, pointed out in a diverse and colourful country like India, it is very essential that people from all the communities have mutual understanding. It is high time for everyone to reach out, care and share with others and realise that we are all god's children, he said.

UNI SNR BA RD1022