I was commissioned into a battalion comprising Jats and Rajputs in equal proportion. The salutation among the troops and officers is preceded by ‘Ram-Ram’ by Jats and ‘Jai Mata ji ki’ by Rajputs. During Navratri, many soldiers observe a fast….

I was commissioned into a battalion comprising Jats and Rajputs in equal proportion. The salutation among the troops and officers is preceded by ‘Ram-Ram’ by Jats and ‘Jai Mata ji ki’ by Rajputs. During Navratri, many soldiers observe a fast. Consuming non-vegetarian food during this period is taboo. The celebrations largely conclude on the eighth day, while some Rajput soldiers end their fast on the ninth day, Navami.

As a young officer, I got an invite from Rajput soldiers for a Navami function. After the initial prayers and obeisance to Maa Kali, a goat was sacrificed and meat cooked for prasad. After meat and rum were offered to the goddess, these were distributed among the devotees. This was the first time I had witnessed such a religious ceremony — it was a revelation to me.

Born and brought up in the holy city of Amritsar in a progressive Sikh family, I had imbibed the virtues of respecting all religions and their different ways of worship. On joining the National Defence Academy, I encountered a conglomeration of cadets from all religions and castes, which had no bearing on our developing camaraderie. Adapting to other religions and cultures came naturally to me. This was, and is, the norm in the Army.

My maiden obeisance to Maa Kali had raised my inquisitiveness about various gods and goddesses and the nature of worship. During my career, I got many opportunities to visit religious places and learn about our religio-cultural diversity. ‘Raas Leela Dandiya’ in Gujarat during the Navratras was a fascinating experience. Having married a woman who was born and brought up in Kolkata, I attended Durga Puja festivities and enjoyed the cultural extravaganza. To top it all was a trip to the famous temple of Maa Kali during the grand culmination of Durga Puja.

A few years ago, a friend sent me a piece of ‘Angvastra’ of Goddess Kamakhya from the revered Kamakhya Temple, located in Kamrup district of Assam. It rekindled my memories of a visit to the temple when I was posted in that state. Representing fertility, Goddess Kamakhya is an important Hindu Tantric goddess and a reincarnation of Maa Kaali. Interestingly, Navratri celebrations at Kamakhya last 15 days.

The defence forces have a rich tradition of religious harmony. It is an important cornerstone of their enviable performance on the battlefield. Let’s celebrate our diversity and defeat the forces that are attempting to tear apart our vibrant religious and cultural fabric.