Kendrapara: The Durga Puja of Palasudha village of Garadapur block in Kendrapara district is marked by religious amity.
Communal harmony among Hindus and Muslims sparkles with brotherhood and cooperation. Muslims have once again come forward to join their Hindu neighbours in celebrating Durga Puja.
The Puja has managed to strengthen the bond between the two communities that have been celebrating the festival with gaiety for a decade.
Bhikari Singh, president of the Palasudha Durga Puja Committee, said since 2008, both Hindus and Muslims have been organising Puja in the village, thanks to the initiative taken by the late Golekha Singh.
Every year, before the festival members of both communities chalk out plans on how to celebrate Durga Puja, said Prafulla Samal, a villager.
The minority community always helps Hindus during the immersion of idol and in organising the pandal, said Sheikh Liaquat Khan, a member of the Palasudha Durga Puja Committee.
The Muslims also decorate the pandal and collect funds to celebrate the festival grandly. They also donate huge amounts to decorate the pandal and organise the deity’s immersion procession, said Sheikh Firoz Ali of Palasudha.
“We want peace. We also respect each other’s religions and celebrate each other’s festivals. We do not find anything unusual in celebrating with our Hindu brethren,” said Sheikh Rabo.
The minority community of Palasudha celebrates not only Durga Puja, but also other Hindu festivals like Ganesh Puja and Makar Mela.
