Devotees Of Durga, Asurs Unite Mythologies

Kolkata: Among the lakhs pouring into Kolkata for Durga Puja celebrations this year, are a small group from Jharkhand. But unlike the others, they will not be thronging to the city's famed 'puja pandals' to join in the revelries. Instead they are in Kolkata on a mission to change perceptions.  

They are of the Asur tribe - in Hindu mythology it is Asur or demon king Mahishasur who is killed by the goddess Durga to symbolise the triumph of good over evil - and for centuries the 10-day-long festival of Dussehra has been a period of mourning for them.

Their unique beliefs have meant that they are often misunderstood, and sometimes are even the target of violence.  

"I won't go inside the pandals, it would mean breaking tradition. This is a time for mourning for us, not celebration," said Shushma Kumari Asur, a social activist who is in Kolkata with a group of 10 other Asurs from Ghumla in Jharkhand.

This year Sushma Kumari is participating in a unique effort which is all about changing perceptions.  

The puja pandal at FE Block, in the upscale Salt Lake area of Kolkata, has decided to go with the theme of amalgamation.

"In our puja we worship the asur also; we wanted to put out this message," says Debashish Mondal, who came up with the unique theme.

"There is no conflict of cultures, our puja pandal is all about amalgamation and perfect for our times plagued by terrorism and religious divide," explained Rana Roy, another organizer.

Getting an opportunity to tell their side of the story means the Asurs can finally unify traditions.  

"We want to tell everyone we are not demons. We don't have horns or long teeth. We are like you, and like everyone else," Sushma Kumari said.

There are about 10,000 Asurs in Ghumla alone. Sociologists say that the willingness of the Asurs to join the mainstream is an expression of their desire to establish their identity. It is also an effort to preserve their unique beliefs and distinct culture, which are in danger of dying out.