NSS demand

: NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair has called upon the government to declare a public holiday on October 21.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mr Nair said this year Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami fall on October 21, 22 and 23 respectively. Usually, the ‘poojavaipu’ ceremony is held on the evening of Durgashtami and ‘poojaeduppu’ on Vijayadashami morning.

However, this year the ‘poojavaipu’ has been scheduled on October 20 evening, the day preceding Durgashtami, or on Durgashtami morning (October 21), on account of the peculiar movement of the stars. As such, writing or reading would be forbidden on Durgashtami this year since the books and implements would have been placed before the deity as part of the poojavaipu ceremony on that day. Hence, the government should declare a public holiday on Durgashtami, October 21, Mr. Nair said.