Alipurduar club sends message of amity: Hindus and Muslims organising Kali Puja for over 3 decades

An artisan gives final touches to a Kali idol in Siliguri on Wednesday.:Passang Yolmo

Anirban Choudhury   |   TT  |  Alipurduar   |   04.11.21: The Kali Puja organised by Torsha United Club at a village here is in no match to the glamour and grandeur of the pujas hosted in the towns across north Bengal.

The Kali Puja hosted at Shilbarihat, a tiny hamlet nestled in the bank of Torsha river in Alipurduar-I block, is a glaring example of amity among the Hindus and the Muslims of the area who join hands together to organise it every year and also get in celebrations.

“Hindus are a minority in the village and it is because of the help from local Muslim families that the puja is being organised for the past 31 years. It is a matter of pride for each of us here and we believe it is the amity that draws hundreds of visitors to our village every year, even from towns and cities,” said Gopal Adhikary, joint treasurer of the club.

Mahabul Alam, who shares his responsibility in the club, said no differentiation is made among the villagers in terms of their religion. “We turn up to each household, asking for a subscription. Also, in our club, Muslim and Hindu members are equally delegated with responsibilities. There has been no problem among us so far and we believe this practice should continue to disseminate the message of unity and amity at a time when we often hear about differences cropping up within people in the name of religion,” said Alam. “Whether it is readying the pandal, bringing the idol or distributing prasad, both communities work together,” he added.

Members of the local business community, who also join the puja, said Shilbarihat also draws crowds from nearby areas because a fair held at the village during the puja days. However, since last year, the fair has been suspended due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the related restrictions.

“We have organised a cultural programme for children on Friday evening. Children from all communities will join together to stage certain performances for our entertainment,” said Nikhil Poddar, president Shilbarihat Byabsayee Samiti.