Mamata Banerjee was quoted by ANI as saying, “No idol immersion after 6 pm on Dashami (Sept 30) till Oct 1 due to Muharram processions, immersion will resume from Oct 2.” (PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered the stalling of immersion of Durga idols in water bodies post 6 pm on Dashmi – observed on the tenth day of Ashvin month as per Hindu calendar. The order will remain in effect until October 1. The immersion will be resumed from October 2, said the CM, according to news agency ANI. The decision has been taken in view of Muslim festival Muharram, falling on October 1. Mamata Banerjee was quoted by ANI as saying, “No idol immersion after 6 pm on Dashami (Sept 30) till Oct 1 due to Muharram processions, immersion will resume from Oct 2.”

Durga Puja celebration is very popular in West Bengal and it starts with the first day of Ashvin month and lasts up to its tenth day. During the festival, the Puja Pandals dot the entire state and idols of Goddess Durga are placed for worship. Every year, the state witnessed innovative big and small Puja Pandals that attract visitors in large numbers. Both locals as well tourists come to visit the pandals and offer prayers to the deity. Post the festivity, the puja organizers immerse the idols into water bodies. It generally starts with Dashmi, falling on September 30. But this year, it will be stalled after 6 pm and will only be resume after October 1 post culmination of Muharram.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata police has launched a drive to inculcate values of respecting women in teenage minds. According to a PTI report, the police has started an initiative termed ‘Dear Boys’ with the aim to educate teenage school boys in showing respect to women. Terming it a “community-policing” initiative, a senior officer of Kolkata Police told PTI that it will start before the upcoming Durga Puja. Under this, the cops will cover boys studying in Classes IX to XII in 20 schools located in the city.

Earlier, the CM launched the host city Logo of Kolkata, the venue for the final of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. The logo, as per PTI, is a representation of the state’s heritage and the official emblem for the tournament will form an essential link in the promotions and communications regarding the host city.