The Hindu : National : Chhat Puja peaceful in Mumbai

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Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008
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Chhat Puja peaceful in Mumbai

Meena Menon

MUMBAI: Lakhs of north Indians in the city celebrated Chhat Puja, an annual feature at the water fronts for a decade, and the event passed off peacefully on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had threatened to disrupt the puja and warned of dire consequences if it was allowed to take place. However, Raj Thackeray, MNS president, did a turnaround under political pressure and told the media last week that he had asked his workers to ensure peace. He was only against the politicisation of the festival and not the puja itself, he clarified.

Undeterred by the violence against north Indians, unprecedented crowds gathered at Juhu beach to celebrate and attend various cultural programmes.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was determined to ensure that the puja was peaceful, made a brief appearance at the programme organised by Sanjay Nirupam late in the evening.

Mr. Nirupam, Congress spokesperson, who has been organising the festival from the time he was in Shiv Sena, said no political statements would be made and Mr. Deshmukh was invited since he was head of the State. Mr. Deshmukh extended his good wishes to north Indians and said the festival was a very special occasion.

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