Universal brotherhood redefined in these Puja celebrations of Tripura

Religions may differ but festivals are universal. The Hindus and Muslims hardly have anything in common in their religious customs and beliefs but when it comes to celebrating a festival, people from both the religions stand beside each other in need.

In Durgapur village located in the borders of Sonamura and Boxanagar, majority of the Muslim families had been contributing for a community Durga Puja organized here since the last 50 years or so. 

“This is our own festival and we don't hesitate to contribute for the Puja,” says Hannan Miah, a social worker based out of Durgapur. Miah who is aware of every nook and corner of his village said, “In our village we have 40 to 45 odd Hindu families. But, during the festival time, people from our village forget all religious differences. We all work together to ensure that the Puja is observed in keeping with all the rituals and celebrations,” he said. 

According to Miah, this year also Puja is being observed as per the customs of the Hindu society. “You will hardly find any difference in Puja celebrations here and in other parts of the state. Since it is the rural belt, the budget is on the lesser side and we don't organise cultural programmes due to fund constraints,” he added. 

Almost similar was the experience at Putia, a village located in another corner of Boxanagar. Out of 600 families living here, 35 families are Hindus. The Muslims constitute the majority here. Despite that, Durga Puja is celebrated here with the same level of enthusiasm and festive spirit. 

Abdul Rashid, of Putia, recounted that this Puja has become an annual affair of their village since the last 30 years or more. “It would be more than 30 years that this Puja is being celebrated and people of Muslim communities mostly handle the Puja affairs. A Durga Puja is a big celebration. Money is an important factor for the Puja. All of us try to help the Hindus brothers and sisters to organise the festival without any hassle,” Rashid added.  

Very close to the Agartala city is Bitarban, a slum area inhabited by majority Muslim community people. A Durga Puja is observed in a grand manner at the middle of the whole slum where Hindu Population is in decisive minority.