Guest guest Posted September 29, 2003 Report Share Posted September 29, 2003 Patna, INDIA (September 26, 2003) - Authorities in Bihar have banned songs with lyrics that are vulgar or may incite communal ill will as well as caricatures poking fun at anybody during the forthcoming Durga Puja celebrations. The Patna administration has said anyone violating the order will be jailed for five years and fined Rs.100,000. Besides Kolkata's famous Durga Puja celebrations, Patna is the only place in eastern India where the five-day festival is celebrated on a massive scale with thousands joining in the festivities. The authorities have also decided to close all liquor shops during October 3-6 to maintain peace and communal harmony. "The government issued directives to take certain measures to ensure the celebrations are peaceful and to maintain communal harmony across the state," an official of the home department said. "We are not allowing the use of loudspeakers and the display of any caricatures due to restrictions imposed by the administration," said Ashok Singh, a member of puja committee. The government has taken other measures to prevent extortion in the name of collecting funds for the festival. But reports appearing in the local media have indicated that extortion is rampant. Meanwhile, preparations for the Durga Puja festival are on in full swing in Patna and other parts of Bihar. Potters are busy giving final touches to idols of Hindu goddess Durga, while artisans are working day and night to complete big puja marquees. People are thronging markets in large numbers to complete purchases before the festival and police deployment has been stepped up across the state. The festival will begin with the installation of the "kalash" by 7.35 a.m. on Saturday. According to astrologer Viprendra Jha "Madhav", the "panchang", or Hindu religious calendar, indicates goddess Durga will arrive this year on a horse. This, he said, signified that the country's ruling parties might face trouble or split, or that there may be bad fortune or the death of some highly placed leaders. The goddess will depart on a buffalo, signifying that there might be an outbreak of epidemics or some natural calamity, said Madhav. Source: The Hindustan Times URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_391915,000900030002.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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