Christians show solidarity by joining Hindus in their religious festivities in Ranchi

Ranchi, Nov. 3, 2004 – Christians in Ranchi are showing solidarity with their Hindu brothers and have joined in their Hindu festivals, a change welcomed by Church leaders, media and local people.

Catholic priests, nuns, seminarians and laypeople were among those celebrating the Puja festival. The 10–day festival ended Oct. 23.

"Hindus and Muslims join us in Christmas and Easter celebrations, then why don't we join them in their joyous festivals?" queried Father Ignace Topno of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Ranchi.

Puja Festival, also known as Dusshera, is celebrated in October every year. Through it Hindus commemorate the victory of Durga, consort of Shiva, over Mahishasura, a buffalo–headed demon that tormented the world.

People erect tents to house 10–handed statues of Durga. They go around worshipping, singing and offering praises in the elaborately decorated tents.

Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo of Ranchi, who is the president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and currently away in Rome, greeted the people of the state on the occasion. In a message released to the media recently, he noted the festival's "great meaning and religious significance" in symbolizing "the victory of good over evil."

However, the cardinal reminded people that they have yet to win the final victory over the forces of evil. He urged them to fight illiteracy, poverty, corruption, crime and communalism with divine assistance, and to work for harmony and prosperity.

Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Barwa of Ranchi, who read the cardinal's message at a press conference, urged the people to gain strength from their religions.

Noting that the people of India have "great faith" in God whatever their religion, the bishop explained that until a decade ago, Christians did not join in Hindu functions primarily because of the presence of idols.