The Pit Of Sacrificial Fire

Times may have changed but Bengal refuses to give up its penchant for violent mood swings. In the run-up to the World Cup final, people were garlanding the players’ portraits, flying the tricolour and performing yagnas for an Indian victory. Two astrologers had even predicted an Indian win in the local papers. But after the final, people burnt posters of their favourite players. Other reactions were sharper, even tragic. A 35-year-old man hanged himself in Siliguri. At Burdwan, a priest who had performed a ceremony for India was assaulted along with those who tried to save him. At Balagarh, Hooghly, a minor riot erupted, leading to firing and arrests.