The link definitely focuses on the spirit of the pujo very nicely. A comment posted on the article has also reflected the secular trend of this festival. Durga Pujo will miss its fervour the day there will be no dhak players playing it and it charms more when there is dhunuchi dance too.

Exactly. Dhak and  Dhunuchi dances are not religious but Bengali cultural symbols. Another aspect is Bhog.. The first offering is made to Durga and then to the people who come in rows and rows. This communal feast is certainly says that all people are equal.

Getting to eat 'bhog' is really special. That is considered to be the real 'prasad' and wherever you eat bhog, it tastes awesome. It seems Maa Durga's blessings make it taste so wonderful. 

I agree. I had an experience with tasting Bhog. It has a unique taste of its own. Another heartening aspect of Durga Puja is, it is not just organised by Bengali Hindus, but all inhabitants of Kolkata  irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Communal harmony depends on mutual respect between all communities. I don't know how any festival can teach communal harmony. The Puja celebrations are for nine days. Yesterday, there was a big demonstration before Agra Municipal Corporation for demanding a ban on sale of meat in all the nine days.  such demand for ban is stronger near temples. But I find that there is no street wothout some temple. Then where can poor meat/ Baryani sellers work. It is their livelihood. Incidentally, There is animal sacrifice- goats and buffalo in some Hindu temples also.  Then what is the logic for such ban.  Today I found that the chicken baryani stalls are functional in most places. There is small group of trouble makers.  They in fact try to disturb communal harmony on such occasions. 

There are vested interests always. Creating communal disturbances is their mission. It is not the case in Durga Puja. In Durga puja all people irrespective os caste, creed and religion take part. No one  prevents the people from entering the Puja Pandals of Durga. It is not just worship of Durga. It is the display of cultural aspect of Bengalis.

In fact I read somewhere that non Hindus should not be allowed to take part in Dasara celebrations and Dandiya and Garba dances because it will lead to Love Jihad ! Of course this is ridiculous and laughable , and comes from a small section of people who have no other better business other than creating problems and I feel the less importance the media and others give to such people the better !

http://www.firstpost.com/india/wont-allow-muslims-at-garba-to-prevent-love-jihad-right-wing-group-in-gujarat-2455198.html

Yes. you are right. Viswa Hindu parisad puts up banners at Garba venues asking non Hindus not to enter.

 Here is the link

http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/10/13/vhp-garba-hindus_n_8285672.html?utm_hp_ref=india

The VHP has put up notices outside Garba grounds in some cities of Gujarat declaring that non Hindus especially Muslims are not allowed to enter because the grounds are holy. Media must highlight so that the true picture comes out.

usha manohar wrote:

In fact I read somewhere that non Hindus should not be allowed to take part in Dasara celebrations and Dandiya and Garba dances because it will lead to Love Jihad ! Of course this is ridiculous and laughable , and comes from a small section of people who have no other better business other than creating problems and I feel the less importance the media and others give to such people the better !

I had also read this. I feel that there should be no such restriction in widely celebrated public function. But when the function is private or limited to a residential society only, such restrictions could be okay. Incidentally, in most temples in Orissa, non Hindus are not allowed.  This also does not seem wrong. It is wrong to disturb others but okay not to allow others in your own functions.