By Manoj Kar
Kendrapara (Odisha), Oct. 18: In a refreshing break from religious fanaticism that has become the order of the day, Muslims from a sleepy hamlet downstream the Brahmani river have joined hands with Hindu villagers in observing the week long Kali Puja festivities.

Offering Puja to Goddess Kali is a major religious festival in this far-flung Olaver hamlet of Kendrapara district's Rajkanika Tehsil and the striking feature of annual Puja here is the spontaneous participation of a large number residents from Muslim community, said Sudhir Chandra Palai, secretary of the local Puja committee.

“There are more than a hundred Muslim families in the village. For all of them, Kali puja is a much-awaited annual festival. Like Id-ul-juha and Moharram, Muslims observe puja with enthusiasm and passion,” said Sk. Kurban Ali, executive body member of the puja committee.

Amity has taken the better of religious divide as it has become a tradition of sort for Muslims to get thoroughly involved in Kali puja festival.

Right from pros and cons of organising the puja, the Muslims, cutting across religious barriers, are generous donors for the Hindu festival. It's unique local cultural heritage. Muslims have taken the cultural ethos in their stride. Involvement of Muslims in puja preparedness is quite spontaneous, said Palai.

Olaver village is enriched with legacy of communal amity and brotherhood since long and in a population of more than 2,000 residents, Muslims comprise nearly 25 percent. The Hindu temple built in close proximity of a mosque in the heart of the village bears testimony to the harmonious co-existence of the locals, he said adding that there has never been animosity between both the communities barring minor family feud and land dispute.

“Seikh Karamat Ali, a freedom fighter who passed away a decade back, used to head the local Kali Puja committee and this annual puja owes its origin to pre-independence era,” he recalled.

Muslims from the village are the office bearers of the committee. Puja preparatory works are duly shared. Carving out of the idol and arrangement for religious rituals are taken care of by Hindus while Muslims raise funds and take charge of pandal decoration.

Hindu community admirably reciprocates their love and affection by actively participating in festivals like Id-ul-Juha and Id-ul-Fitr.