Cuttack: The oldest city of Odisha, Cuttack, has always borne a testimony to communal harmony. It is the Muslim artisans, who create the medhas (backdrop) for goddess Durga during the puja. They are also involved in different intricate details of the festivities.
The pandal at Mangalabagh here takes it a little further with people of all community joining in the celebrations. While the Hara Parvati puja began here in 1918, Durga Puja was initiated in 1948, said acting president of the Puja committee, Pradeep Kumar Sahu.
“The first secretary of the committee was a Muslim, Irfan Munz. His son, Samsher Mohammed, is still an advisor to the committee functioning,” he added.
Setting an example of communal harmony and spreading a message of brotherhood, the puja committee felicitate the representatives of all religions.
“We live together here and breathe the same air. We are all one and this is the message we want to spread,” he added.
The immersion ceremony is grander than the puja. “Everyone congregated at Mangalabagh Chowk as this is where the immersion rituals start. People from all religion, castes, background, services and status come together. There is no discrimination,” he said.
The budget for the puja this year is Rs 20 lakh. They started silver filigree decoration in 2015 while idols are being adorned with gold ornaments since 2010. “We will add a gold necklace to the goddess’ jewellery box next year,” said Pradeep.
He said organising the event gives him great satisfaction. “We also hold blood donation camps and help under-privileged children,” he added.
