The larger the number of devotees, bigger the need for a strong security cover

Spirituality and the fervour of devotion are not new to Indians. Those who believe that inner confidence remains steadfast also think that faith in any invisible power is necessary for a steely resolve. In ancient times, worship of many gods and spiritual experiences were often confined to one’s own home. In recent times, visiting temples, offering prayers, and widespread campaigns about miracles have become common. At the Tirumala temple, where Lord Venkateswara is always enthralling, this site has gained fame not only among Telugu people but among people from many countries, receiving acknowledgment and reverence, becoming a holy place revered even beyond the Vatican.

Srisailam, the Mantralaayam, and Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temples are presently attracting a very large number of devotees in both the Telugu states, day in and day out. In terms of numbers, mishaps like stampedes or overcrowding incidents are significantly fewer in number in these temples as compared to other temples across the country, but accurate statistics are available only with the government.

The Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, held for the first time under the administration of the BJP, were hoped by all to be even more splendid. In fact, the government, in keeping with that expectation, made special arrangements without any fuss. With a sincere desire to show how proactively their government would work for the people during such festivals, they increased the number of pandals by 25 per cent compared to the 57,000 pandals set up previously, and the Chief Minister Suvendu personally supervised nearly all of these pandal arrangements in the city. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also amplified that significance by staying in Kolkata.

Unfortunately, during the Puja—specifically in the tirade that occurred in the Girish Park area—nineteen people lost their lives in the ruckus. Despite the grand preparations, there were a few lapses in crowd control that prevented the surge of devotees from being managed properly. Due to a misjudgment of the situation, no matter what measures were taken, this unfortunate incident occurred. It appeared that the government’s failures were exposed. Police and the organizers responsible for the puja failed to anticipate the crowd that would surge toward the event, leading to this tragedy.

During Ganesh Chaturthi and Dasara festivals in many places, idol installations attract devotees and draw crowds for special prayers, followed by grand processions and entertaining programs in the bustling cities of Mumbai and Hyderabad. This is how devotional programs are conducted in those cities. However, to prevent mishaps in such gatherings, it is essential to maintain proper queues, organization, and to monitor the movements of police, volunteers, and devotees tightly. In Kolkata, the “Chor Bagan Sar Bhojanik Durgotsav” appears to have taken place away from the clamor this year. The entrance and exits were extremely narrow, and the organizers hoped the thrill of the lights would impress the devotees.

An unexpected heavy downpour disrupted the arrangements; two cars couldn’t pass side by side in the cramped lanes. People running toward the trenches for safety caused concerns that the Pandals might collapse, so officials told the crowd to move to the other side. Fearing where these Pandals might fall, such instructions led to violent clashes. If precautionary measures had been taken in advance to regulate the crowd, the situation would not have escalated. Police officials and seasoned personnel were not stationed in the barricades, but rather new home guards were deployed in the posts, which is being heard as a factor after several lives were lost in this clash.

Regardless of all this, the newly formed government apparently planned to host the Durga Puja extravagantly and in a superior manner to anything done by previous administrations. But due to laxity in crowd control and safety, innocent devotees lost their lives, giving the government a bad reputation. When more devotees attend the Godavari Pushkaralu or the Tirumala Brahmotsavams, only with proper arrangements can the effort yield results and a good name. The Kolkata Durga Puja tragedy should serve as a warning for organising such events.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer, who has served as an Additional DGP of Andhra Pradesh)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ravulapati Seetaramarao

Ravulapati Seetaramarao