'Bengal has always upheld socio-religious harmony'

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on the people to maintain communal peace and harmony and without naming BJP, urged the party not to take steps that destabilise the social milieu in Bengal. She was addressing the congregation assembled on Red Road to participate in the Eid prayer on Wednesday morning.

Trinamool Youth Congress president Abhishek Banerjee, state minister for Disaster Management Javed Khan and Trinamool Congress MLA Idris Ali also attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister said Bengal has always upheld socio-religious harmony. "It is our tradition that the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Jains live together in Bengal peacefully and take part in each other's social and religious functions," she added.

Without naming the saffron party, she said: "But some are trying to destabilise our society. Those who have risen by manipulating EVMs will fizzle out early."

Eid was celebrated in the city with usual enthusiasm. The biggest prayer was held on Red Road like every year. People wore new clothes, embraced and greeted each other. Prayers were also held at Tipu Sultan Mosque and Nakhoda Mosque.

Eid was observed with great enthusiasm at Topkhana Masjid in Shantipur in Nadia. Shantipur is the place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came after renouncing household life and came to the house of Advaitacharya.

Though famous as a Vaishnava pilgrimage, Shantipur is well-known for upholding religious harmony as well.

Topkhana Mosque was constructed 400 years ago. Many historians said it was built by Aurangzeb, while the others mentioned that it was constructed by local zamindars. The mosque has come up at the place which used to house a barrack for the soldiers and an armory. Besides the Muslims, thousands of Hindus also visited the mosque, which they consider to be a holy place.

Eid was also observed at the mosque in Metiabruz which was founded by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Shah was a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity and the same tradition is still maintained in the area.

Eid was observed with enthusiasm in Murshidabad too. Thousands took part in the prayer and members of both Hindu and Muslim communities greeted each and took part in the lunch hosted by the Muslims.