Don't believe in violence; to accept views of others is our tradition, says Abhishek

Kolkata: Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool Congress MP from Diamond Harbour, inaugurated a gate at the entrance of Boro Kachari temple in South 24-Parganas on Wednesday afternoon.

The gate has been constructed with the financial assistance of the state Tourism department.

Banerjee said a comprehensive plan worth Rs 56 lakh will be taken to beautify areas surrounding the temple. The expenditure will be borne by the Tourism department.

He added: "I practice the rituals of Hinduism privately and I believe that when it comes to work, my religion is humanism."

He also said that Hinduism teaches people to be tolerant and accept views of others. "We do not believe in violence. We accept and respect the views of others and this is our tradition and heritage."

Boro Kachari temple is coming up as a major tourism hub. Thousands of devotees visit the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays to offer prayers. Gajon festival and Neel Utsav are observed every year in the month of April. The decorative gate was completed in 10 months. It is said that thousands of farmers took shelter near the temple when the Marathas planned an attack on Kolkata. There is a general belief that Baba Boro Kachari protects the villagers from evil.

Many devotees from nearby districts come to offer prayers at the temple.

In addition to the construction of the gate, the approach road to the temple has also been repaired.