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‘Thana Puja’ bonds police and public

KORAPUT: It’s the ‘Thana Puja’, the celebrations of Dussehra festival in the police stations that remained the centre of attraction, particularly in the rural areas, in Koraput district. The tradition of offering prayers to ‘Maa Durga’ at police stations go back to the times of kings, Sarat Sahu said.

The kings used to perform ‘Ayudha Puja’ for protecting their armoury and the trend continued during the British Raj, he added.

The celebrations in local police stations have been quite significant for the locals for the last few centuries. Tribals in the vicinity eagerly wait for the day as it is the only day in the year when everyone can visit the police station, where they never dare to step on any other day in the year.

Meanwhile, after imposing a ban on any form of sacrifice in the police station a decade ago, the festival celebrations have turned into a more peaceful event than ever.

Also, arms were withdrawn from the police stations in the district for security reasons, after the district head quarter was attacked by naxalites in 2004. Except some long sticks and few personal revolvers of the officers. Now, it is the friendly policeman who greets the common man in the police stations, strengthening the relationship between the police and the public, hopefully leading towards a better future.

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