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

Civil society organisations have urged Odisha government to reschedule and change route of Goddess Kali immersion procession in Cuttack on Friday (October 24, as it coincides with Friday Namaaz at mosques.

The appeal came in wake of communal violence that erupted during immersion procession of Goddess Durga after dusshera celebration in Cuttack.

“It has come to our notice that a section of people is planning to hold a Goddess Kali immersion rally in Cuttack on Friday, 24 October 2025. The timing of this proposed event coincides with the Friday Namaaz at mosques in the city,” said Biswapriya Kanungo, a civil right activist.

Mr. Kanungo said, “in light of the communal tensions witnessed during the Durga Puja immersion on October 4, there are serious apprehensions that holding such a procession at the same time could disturb public order, endanger safety, and inflame community sensitivities, contrary to the spirit of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 (Sections 28 and 30) and other provisions empowering authorities to regulate public assemblies to prevent breaches of peace.”

“We wish to emphasise that every citizen has the constitutional right to freely profess, practise, and propagate his or her religion, as guaranteed under Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India. However, this right is subject to maintenance of public order, morality, health, and the rights of others, as well as to the duty of the State to maintain peace and harmony under Article 51A(e), which calls upon every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood,” remarked Pramilla Swain, Chairperson, National Alliance of Women Organisation (NAWO), Odisha.

Ms. Swain said, “Cuttack has long been admired for its enduring tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood—‘Bhai-Chara’—where people of all faiths have coexisted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. However, given the current sensitivities, a large-scale procession overlapping with Friday prayers may place undue strain on law and order arrangements and heighten public anxiety.”

Activists urged, in the larger interest of peace, public safety, and inter-community harmony, to reschedule or reroute the rally in consultation with community representatives, local administration, and law enforcement authorities, ensuring that it does not coincide with Friday prayers.

“The government should ensure all necessary preventive measures are taken to maintain tranquillity, harmony, and public safety in the city. Such action will reaffirm the State government’s steadfast commitment to peace, secular values, and social cohesion, and safeguard Cuttack’s cherished legacy of coexistence and unity,” they said.