Deviating from the order of the day
Rajib Chakraborty
KOLKATA, Sept. 30: According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is the Mother Goddess or Shakti (the divine female energy), the destroyer of all evil.
In present times, where communal discord ~ the greatest of all evils in society ~ is the order of the day, a Puja jointly organised by the Hindus and the Muslims can be a great source of inspiration for all. This kind of communal unity can be instrumental in sending across a positive message and bring peace and harmony in society.
The Khidderpore Milan Sangha, which has been organising Durga Puja for the past 69 years near Kabitirtha park, off Michael Madhusudan Sarani is the one club which has shown this unique effort.
Every year, the club sends in invitations to the devotees irrespective of their religion, before the Pujas, urging them to undertake social service.
Members then do a door-to-door fund raising programme. Local Muslims donate money as willingly as Hindu residents. The money collected is used not only for the construction of the pandal and fancy electric and art work, but also for various social causes. Blood donation and free medical treatment camps are organised by the club before the Pujas. New clothes are distributed among the poor. The best part is all the noble work is a joint effort of the Puja committee and the minority community.
Local Muslim youths also volunteer for any work related to the Durga Pujas.
They arrange for water for the thirsty pandal hoppers. If anybody were to fall ill then it is these volunteers who take them to the hospital.
“The Hindus and the Muslims work hand in hand as one team. Local Hindus also help us when we organise any social work during our religious festivals,” said Mohammed Selim, a resident.
Mr Gorachand Mandal, president, Khidderpore Milan Sangha, said that this year the club has received significant help from the minority community. Last year the club used the art work made by Muslim artists in their pandal.
“Goddess Durga is the destroyer of evil. Here we are trying to unite both Hindus and Muslims to combat the forces that are trying to destroy our national integrity”, said Mr Mandal.
The club this year is working on a new theme ~ “Mangalike Mangalmoyee Maa.” The weapons of Devi Durga will be made by metal casting, and they will be on display in the pandal.
“The entrance to the pandal will be decorated with metal lamps and incense stands. And the entire path will be adorned with the aroma of incense and dhuno. Visitors will also hear chandipath on their way to the pandal”, said Mr Pijush Saha, convener of the Puja committee.
SOURCE: thestatesman
Rajib Chakraborty
KOLKATA, Sept. 30: According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is the Mother Goddess or Shakti (the divine female energy), the destroyer of all evil.
In present times, where communal discord ~ the greatest of all evils in society ~ is the order of the day, a Puja jointly organised by the Hindus and the Muslims can be a great source of inspiration for all. This kind of communal unity can be instrumental in sending across a positive message and bring peace and harmony in society.
The Khidderpore Milan Sangha, which has been organising Durga Puja for the past 69 years near Kabitirtha park, off Michael Madhusudan Sarani is the one club which has shown this unique effort.
Every year, the club sends in invitations to the devotees irrespective of their religion, before the Pujas, urging them to undertake social service.
Members then do a door-to-door fund raising programme. Local Muslims donate money as willingly as Hindu residents. The money collected is used not only for the construction of the pandal and fancy electric and art work, but also for various social causes. Blood donation and free medical treatment camps are organised by the club before the Pujas. New clothes are distributed among the poor. The best part is all the noble work is a joint effort of the Puja committee and the minority community.
Local Muslim youths also volunteer for any work related to the Durga Pujas.
They arrange for water for the thirsty pandal hoppers. If anybody were to fall ill then it is these volunteers who take them to the hospital.
“The Hindus and the Muslims work hand in hand as one team. Local Hindus also help us when we organise any social work during our religious festivals,” said Mohammed Selim, a resident.
Mr Gorachand Mandal, president, Khidderpore Milan Sangha, said that this year the club has received significant help from the minority community. Last year the club used the art work made by Muslim artists in their pandal.
“Goddess Durga is the destroyer of evil. Here we are trying to unite both Hindus and Muslims to combat the forces that are trying to destroy our national integrity”, said Mr Mandal.
The club this year is working on a new theme ~ “Mangalike Mangalmoyee Maa.” The weapons of Devi Durga will be made by metal casting, and they will be on display in the pandal.
“The entrance to the pandal will be decorated with metal lamps and incense stands. And the entire path will be adorned with the aroma of incense and dhuno. Visitors will also hear chandipath on their way to the pandal”, said Mr Pijush Saha, convener of the Puja committee.
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