Kolkata's Durga Puja brings Hindus, Muslims together
Last year, in fact, Durga Puja coincided with Muharram. "One particular park was divided into two parts, one side used for Durga Puja and the other for Muharram at the same time," Shah Jahan said.
Durga Puja in Kolkata has never been religion-specific. Indeed, the festival is celebrated in Muslim-dominated areas with as much fervour as in Hindu-majority ones, with many Muslim members of the community themselves taking initiative to organise the committees.In Mominpur, for instance, the puja committee is headed by Dr Kasim Mollah, who said Muslims of the area have done everything, from supervising the pandal construction to distribution of bhog. "The puja here is in its 40th year. Mohammad Alam is its convenor. You will be surprised at the number of burqa-clad women who visit. Durga Puja is Bengal's biggest festival, regardless of which community you belong to," Mollah said.It's a similar situation at the Ekbalpore Sharbojonin Durgotsab Samity, which has been organising Durga Puja since 64 years. Its president, SK Shah Jahan said communal harmony is displayed in Kolkata during all festivals. "Just like you see us participating in Durga Puja, our Hindu brothers partake of Eid with equal fervour," he said.Last year, in fact, Durga Puja coincided with Muharram. "One particular park was divided into two parts, one side used for Durga Puja and the other for Muharram at the same time," Shah Jahan said.At the adjoining ward, SK Sirajul Karim is president of an 85-year-old puja. "We have seen some petty issues here, But during celebrations, or when someone is in trouble, we forget all our differences and come together. Such has been the essence of this place," he said.Puja organisers, in fact, say without the help of Muslims it wouldn't have been possible. Sudipto Kumar, secretary of Deshapriya Park Durgotsav, said, "Not many Muslims live here, so they aren't part of the committee, but all my Muslim friends from across the city dress in their finest clothes and converge to enjoy the Puja days to the fullest."Partha Dasgupta of the Thakurpukur SB Park puja, said over 80 per cent of the people who put up the pandal and lighting were Muslims. "Of the 40 people who worked on the pandal, 37 were Muslims. Of the 20 persons who put up the scaffolding, 18 were Muslims. Work has been on since June 3, and some of the Muslim workers even sacrificed their Eid holiday for this," he said.