Asansol, 30 August (H.S.): The festive spirit of Durga Puja has begun in Burnpur, Asansol, with a local puja committee organising its traditional Khunti Puja ceremony. State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul attended the event and personally played the dhak, adding to the festive atmosphere. Women members of the committee danced to the beats of the dhak during the celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Paul urged Durga Puja organisers to maintain the sanctity and traditional character of puja pandals. She appealed against distorting the traditional appearance of Goddess Durga in the name of theme-based decorations. According to her, the face, appearance and traditional adornments of the deity should not be altered in ways that may hurt religious sentiments.

On the ongoing debate over vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, the minister clarified that there should be no restrictions on the food habits of Bengalis. However, she appealed to devotees not to carry non-vegetarian food inside puja pandals in order to preserve their sanctity. She also advised organisers against using shoes and slippers as part of theme decorations.

Regarding government grants for Durga Puja committees, Paul said the final decision would be taken by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and that she would abide by the government’s decision.

The minister also promised to prioritise civic infrastructure, including roads, drainage and drinking water, and said efforts would be made to make Asansol cleaner, more organised and attractive ahead of the festive season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey