Puja breaks faith barrier- Festive cheer spreads, hills to plains

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 13 Oct 2018, Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters Imtiyaj Khan, Yasir Khan, Zaid Khan and Salman Ali have taken a short break from political campaigns for a more pressing assignment — helping organise Darjeeling’s most famous Puja and its most prominent landmark.

The four have given up the comfort of their homes and camped at Chowrasta, taking turns to roll their sleeping bags on the cold concrete floor. Their mission: ensure the “worshipping arena” is protected at night.

“We went to get the idol from Siliguri on October 8. Then, I felt a responsibility had been given to me and wanted to fulfil it,” said Salman, 27.

The four — part of a larger group of 60-odd volunteers at the Morcha-organised Puja — said they had not been eating meat for the past few days as “others’ belief needs to be respected”. “Abstaining from meat for nine days is not a big issue, participating in a social event is,” said Salman.

Suraj Sharma, a Morcha spokesperson, stressed that “certain things are beyond politics”. “They are an integral part of our puja,” said a Sharma, adding the four also play dhaks (drums).

Besides keeping watch, the four have their plate full with other tasks. “Whatever needs to be done, we do. We get fruits, help the priest…we also help in preparing khichri (the offering),” Imtiyaj, 33, said.

Each day, 4,500 plates of khichri are served to locals and visitors. “They are volunteering selflessly,” said Sanjeev Thami, another of the organisers.

Asked if their families had any objections to their participation in a “Hindu event”, Salman pointed out that Darjeeling “never” had such issues. “We are one. This is not something new.”