Mamata Discusses the Importance of Celebrating Ram Navami with Durga Puja
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Synopsis
On April 2, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need to celebrate Ram Navami alongside Durga Puja, highlighting Lord Ram's worship of Goddess Durga for blessings to defeat Ravana. She stressed peaceful celebrations and warned against those seeking to disrupt communal harmony.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee advocates for celebrating Ram Navami with Durga Puja.
- Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga for blessings in defeating Ravana.
- She supports peaceful processions on Ram Navami.
- Warnings against inciting communal tensions were issued.
- Banerjee emphasized unity and respect for all religions.
Kolkata, April 2 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Wednesday that Ram Navami should be observed alongside the state's most cherished festival, Durga Puja, during the autumn. She emphasized that Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga to receive her blessings to triumph over the ten-headed demon king Ravana.
Her statements arose amidst the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) preparing for a grand celebration of Ram Navami on April 6.
During a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Minister elaborated on her reasoning for celebrating Ram Navami together with Durga Puja.
“It is known that Lord Ram sought the blessings of Goddess Durga during autumn to defeat Ravana. Our annual Durga Puja festivities coincide with this period, reflecting the worship of Goddess Durga by Lord Rama. Wasn't that also Ram Navami?” she questioned.
While addressing the media, she expressed her support for peaceful processions on Ram Navami.
“This is an auspicious occasion. West Bengal boasts a rich legacy of unity. We adhere to the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. We honor all faiths. Therefore, let everyone observe their religious practices peacefully,” the Chief Minister stated.
Concurrently, she issued a stern warning that the administration will take action against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace in the state during Ram Navami.
“Do not attempt to instigate riot-like scenarios. The people of West Bengal stand against riots. We embrace the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and not the narratives propagated by the Jumla Party,” she cautioned.
She mentioned that certain vested interests are attempting to incite communal strife during Ram Navami.
“They have introduced a new religious doctrine aimed at dividing people and fostering riot-like circumstances,” stated the West Bengal Chief Minister.
In her remarks at a gathering at Red Road in central Kolkata during Eid, she noted that both the BJP and the CPI-M-led Left Front in West Bengal bear equal responsibility for fostering communal discord in the state.
Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment, stating that she and her party are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.
