Activists urge to reschedule, reroute Goddess Kali immersion procession for communal harmony in Cuttack

Civil society organizations have urged the Odisha government to reschedule and change the route of the Goddess Kali immersion procession in Cuttack on Friday (October 24, coinciding with Friday prayers in mosques).

The call came after communal violence broke out during the immersion ceremony of Goddess Durga following the dusshera celebration in Cuttack.

“We have learned that a section of people are planning to hold a Goddess Kali rally in Cuttack on Friday, October 24, 2025. The timing of this proposed event coincides with Friday prayers in mosques in the city,” said civil rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo.

Mr. Kanungo said: “In view of the communal tensions witnessed during the Durga Puja procession on October 4, there are serious concerns that the simultaneous holding of such a procession could disrupt public order, endanger security and inflame community sensitivities, a violation of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 (Sections 28 and 30) and other provisions empowering authorities to regulate public gatherings to prevent breaches of peace.” It’s against the spirit.”

“We wish to emphasize that every citizen has the right freely to profess, practice and propagate his or her religion, as guaranteed under Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India. This right, however, is subject to the protection of public order, morals, health and the rights of others, as well as the duty of the State to maintain peace and harmony under Article 51A(e), which calls on every citizen to promote the spirit of harmony and co-existence of brotherhood,” said President, National Women’s Organization (NAWO), Odisha Pramilla Swain.

Ms Swain said: “Cuttack has long been admired for its enduring tradition of social harmony and brotherhood (‘Bhai-Chara’), where people of all faiths live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. However, given current sensitivities, a large-scale procession coinciding with Friday prayers could put undue pressure on law and order arrangements and increase public anxiety.”

Activists called for the rally to be rescheduled or redirected in consultation with community representatives, local government and law enforcement to ensure that it does not coincide with Friday prayers, in the greater interest of peace, public safety and inter-communal harmony.

“The government must ensure that all necessary preventive measures are taken to maintain peace, harmony and public safety in the city. Such action will reaffirm the State government’s steadfast commitment to peace, secular values ​​and social harmony and preserve Cuttack’s precious legacy of co-existence and unity,” they said.