Christians participate in Mizoram's Durga Puja

This is a heartwarming example of tolerance. Compare
with Islam in BD, where everybody is going thru Allah-
mandated starvation, voluntary as well as involuntary.
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DURGA PUJA IN MIZORAM TURNS 101

"Aizawl: Celebration of Durga Puja among a small Hindu community in
this predominantly Christian state turns 101 this year."

>>From India News, Oct 10

Although Christianity has brought about a near total transformation in
the Mizo lifestyle, continuation of Durga Puja, which was organised by
the Hindustan Club, with local people's participation since 1904.

Conceding that activities of the Hindustan Club remained a low key
affair over the years, regular observance of Durga Puja for more than
hundred years by a miniscule Hindu community is quite historic, club
president P Chakaraborty told UNI.

Our celebrations may lack the 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 said it was in 1904 four
civilian employees of first the Assam rifle observed Durga Puja in
their complex along with some of the believers 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 Hindus in the
small town.

''I do not see anything wrong for a Christian to participate in the
Hindu religious functions,'' Mr John Lalsangzuala, a senior Congress
leader of Mizoram, who had been actively participating in the
celebrations since 1975, said.

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

Mr Lalsangzuala, who also served Mizoram as a Cabinet Minister for a
number of terms, pointed out that in a diverse and colourful country
like India, It is very essential that people from all communities have
mutual understanding.

''Its' high time for everyone to reach out, care and share with others
and realise that we are all god's children,'' he added.

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