CUTTACK: Durga Puja is not just the biggest festival but also the brightest example of communal harmony in Cuttack. Here, Muslims are very much a part of the celebrations like their Hindu brothers who host it. A majority of the Durga Puja committees have Muslim members who oversee the preparations. At some places, ‘zari’ medhas are prepared by Muslim craftsmen. And at Alisha Bazaar, the puja preparations do not begin without the involvement of Muslims. Member of Alisha Bazaar puja committee Asraf Sk said Durga Puja is integral to both Muslim and Hindu households in the area. “Our ancestors had joined hands with Hindu families to begin Durga Puja here. This association continues till date to keep the sense of brotherhood alive.”
Preparation of the puja begins with setting up of the frame for idols of Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh and Kartikeswar, and the demon Mahisasura. The Muslims of the area provide hay and clay for the frame and also prepare it before artisans take over to sculpt the idols of the deities and the demon. Besides, they accompany their Hindu brothers to get fish from fishermen for preparation of ‘Macha Bhoga’ for the Goddess on Nabami.
“This has been the tradition here since the festival started 100 years back,” said Asraf. This is not the only example of communal harmony during puja, said secretary of Mahanagar puja committee Bhikari Das. Puja committees like Sutahat, Mangalabag, Jhola Sahi, Nimasahi, Jobra, Darga Bazaar, Banka Bazaar and Malgodam have Muslim members who take the responsibility of organising the festival.
