News Reporter
ULFA brands Hindu festival as ‘Hinduization’, locals hit back citing centuries-old tradition, religious freedom, and India’s pluralistic fabric.
TINSUKIA, ASSAM – Tensions have escalated in Tinsukia as protests broke out over the celebration of Chhath Puja at the historic Na-Pukhuri site. Several regional organizations, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), have opposed the event, citing the site’s archaeological significance and accusing authorities of allowing the “Hinduization” of a cultural heritage location. Their opposition has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among local Hindi-speaking and Hindu communities.
Chhath Puja, one of the oldest Hindu festivals, is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (widely regarded as a form of Goddess Parvati). Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, it represents not only religious devotion but ecological awareness and communal harmony. Many across India see the opposition not just as a protest against a festival but as a challenge to the nation’s shared cultural heritage.
Na-Pukhuri, which translates to “Nine Ponds,” is believed to have been part of the ancient capital of the 18th-century Matak Kingdom. With remnants of historic structures, it is preserved as a site of regional pride. While some groups argue that holding Chhath Puja here diminishes its Assamese identity, supporters counter that Na-Pukhuri is a public space traditionally shared by people of all communities.
Members of the Hindi-speaking community point out that Chhath Puja has been celebrated in Tinsukia peacefully for many years, asserting their right to continue this tradition. “This isn’t just about a religious practice. It’s about co-existence, mutual respect, and constitutional freedoms,” said a local resident.
On Wednesday night, the situation escalated when anti-Puja protestors vandalized pavilions and disrupted preparations. In response, community members supporting the Puja demanded protection of their religious rights. The district administration has since intervened, engaging in dialogue and deploying security forces to maintain peace.
ULFA’s claim that the Puja marks a religious imposition has drawn criticism. “How can a Hindu festival in a Hindu-majority country be called a form of aggression?” one resident questioned. “Chhath is about gratitude, light, and devotion — not politics.”
Notably, the controversy mirrors a recent incident when Bihar Diwas celebrations in Tinsukia were cancelled following similar opposition. In contrast, Assam Divas (Sukapha Divas), commemorating the founding of Assam, is widely celebrated across India, including in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru by Assamese communities. Supporters of Chhath Puja argue that if regional pride is respected nationwide, cultural practices of others should be respected locally as well.
The district administration has reassured citizens that it is committed to maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights of every community. As Tinsukia stands at a crossroads, many hope for a peaceful resolution that respects both historical legacy and the spirit of inclusivity.
Chhath is not a conflict — it is a celebration of faith, nature, and togetherness. Suppressing it risks dimming the very spirit that unites this diverse nation.