Agartala, August 28, 2025: Calling for a return to the spiritual essence of festivals, Animal Resource Development Minister and Fatikroy MLA Sudhangshu Das on Tuesday night appealed to devotees to “stop loud DJs, alcohol consumption and other new trends during pujas” and instead “follow the old ancient path of devotion.”

The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the 7th annual Ganesh Puja organized by Bhupati Sangha at Fatikroy in Unakoti district. The puja was formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In his address, Minister Das congratulated the organizers and urged for the festival to be celebrated in a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. He also drew attention to past social superstitions such as Satidaha Pratha (Sati immolation) later abolished by Raja Rammohan Roy and the reform of widow remarriage pioneered by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Criticizing the trend of playing loud DJs on trucks during idol immersion, the Minister said such practices are neither approved by pandits nor sanctioned in tradition. He likened alcohol consumption during pujas to insulting God: “It Is like inviting a guest to your home and then insulting him by doing tandav (ruckus) with alcohol”

Among others present at the event were Kumarghat Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Sumati Das, Fatikroy Gram Panchayat Pradhan Sumita Kar, and Bhupati Sangha Secretary Bijoy Banik.

On the occasion, the organizers also distributed new clothes to around 30 underprivileged women from the locality.