SHILLONG, Sep 28: In what can be termed as a gesture signifying unity and harmony, various religious and political leaders came together following a tradition of Shillong for an all-faith congregation of peace and concord here on Wednesday signalling the arrival of the much-awaited Durga Puja in the city.
Among the many leaders who were part of the 25th All-Faith All Religion Get-together of Harmony, organised by the Central Puja Committee (CPC), was Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who inaugurated the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said such a forum reflects the message of peace and harmony in the state, while adding that it sends out the message of victory of good over evil.
Stating that people talk about patriotism but fill it up with negativity, Sangma said, “There is nothing wrong in being patriotic and having love for your own people, their religion, etc., but the problem comes when you harm others or look down on others just so that you want yourself to look better”.
He fervently appealed that there should be equal respect for all communities and religions, and urged the society to move ahead with respect and coexistence.
According to the CM, religion plays an important and vital role in the society. When religious leaders come together and take up issues that are crucial for a society, it makes a huge difference on how such matters are tackled and resolve, the chief minister said.
He emphasised that effort to usher in peace and harmony must be made not only at the state and central level but at the district level too.
The society as stakeholders too, and not just the government, has an equally important role to play in developmental matters.
“Development happens but if there is no peace and harmony in the society, no matter how many schemes and programmers we bring in, they are not going to make any difference,” he said.
On the other hand, president of Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) Purely Lyngdoh observed that festival is a time for joy and merriment, but it also teaches lessons on respecting and accepting one another at all costs. “Occasions such as this, when we get together across cultures, races and religions are few and far between. We pray that we may be capable of honest friendship and trust in each other, that we may strive to reduce the walls of differences and seek opportunities for common cause,” representatives of various religions read out in one voice in a ‘prayer for harmony’ at the Kench’s Trace Puja pandal, where the 75th year of Durga Puja is being celebrated this year.
BSS programme
Durga Puja will be observed by city-based branch of philanthropic organistion Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) on its ashram premises in Jail Road from October 1 starting with Maha Sasti – marking the formal beginning of the festival with pomp and gusto.
In his address, BSS secretary, Swami Purnabratananda Maharaj, said that devotees will embark on a symbolic procession on the day of Maha Sasti to bring the idol of Goddess Durga to the Ashram.
The five-day festival will see Sandhi Puja followed by the sought-after Bir-Bhab-Uddipok Puja Arati – a type of martial arts performed by devotees to offer reverence to BSS founder Swami Pranavananda Maharaj along with several other rituals. (With UNI inputs)
