Cuttack: Durga puja at various pandals here not only showcases the exquisite filigree works of the city but also displays the rare camaraderie between Hindu and Muslim communities.
Many members of the Muslim community are part of several puja committees and have rendered a great service in ensuring the successful organisation of the Dusherra festivals for the last many years.
Sources said Mangalabagh puja committee, which used to organise the Haraparbati puja even before independence, had Irfan Munshi, a Muslim activist, as its secretary in 1948. Munshi continued to hold the post and organise annual Dusherra festival till his death several years later.
Similarly, Sayed Nizamuddin Ahmed was appointed as the secretary of Malgodown puja committee in 1985. Ahmed has remained a part and parcel of Durga puja for last three decades and vows to carry on the responsibility in future too.
Ahmed’s fellow community member Isak Khan has been working as the vice-president of Phiring Bazar Durga puja panel for the last several years.
Sikander Ali, another Muslim, has devoted his time and energy for the smooth organisation of Dusherra of Jobra puja panel. In his capacity as the vice-president of the puja committee, Ali has raised a volunteers’ group for rendering services during festivities.
Moreover, people from Muslim community extend their support to various puja committees during the immersion ceremony too. The commissionerate police has roped in a few Muslim activists for organising smooth immersion during the upcoming Durga puja.
“The silver city has displayed a unique cooperation among Hindu and Muslim communities during festivals. People of all the sects are eagerly waiting to enjoy the upcoming festivities,” said city Congress president Muhammed Moquim.
Echoing the sentiment, corporator Ramzan Khan said, “This year, Muhhram coincides with the immersion of Durga puja idols. People of both the communities will help each other during the twin festivals.”
Hailing the cooperation among Hindus and Muslims in organising festivals, Cuttack Mahanagar Shanti Committee president Debendra Sahu said, “Filigree work studded tableaux on puja pandals and the participation of Muslims have become distinct features of the Dusherra festival in Cuttack. We hope the cooperation among various communities will continue in future.”
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