Unique Haripukur's Kali Puja witnesses communal harmony

BALURGHAT: Communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims can be seen during Kali Puja in South Dinajpur's Haripukur.

Haripukur stands at zero point on the Indian side of India-Bangladesh border around 25 km from Balurghat. A local inhabitant Manik Sarkar said the Puja started by the locals just after the Independence.

Around 30 families belonging to both the communities have been residing there in peace. Maa Kali is worshipped without the idol as locals believe this custom has been continued since the Puja started. Muslims particularly women and girls in the neighbourhood take part in the rituals and offer puja to Maa Kali during the two-day festival.

Standing before the Puja pandal, a local, Robiul Islam emotionally said: "Haripukur was included in the Indian Territory in 1947 but due to geographical bindings, it stands outside the border fencing, nearly 150 meter away from the zero point. Around 30 families, mostly Muslims reside here. We have to abide by the rules and regulations strictly as per International norms and it restricts our free movement and free interaction with each other. We cannot enjoy freedom like others."

A BSF official said it is due to security reason, Haripukur inhabitants cannot move elsewhere between 5.30 pm to 6.30 am.

Locals are all unemployed and have financial crunch but are determined to overcome economical constraints and make the Puja a success. All of them contribute to bear the Puja expenses as much as they can because they don't see it a festival of a particular community but as a festival of harmony and togetherness.

This year too, the two communities have come forward to conduct the festival in a grand manner. A local Bimal Sarkar said the members of the Muslim community have a crucial role to play in the Puja every year. "They used to design and set up the pandal, collect money, run errands and most importantly serve conventional bhog (food offered to Maa Kali).

The Puja is mainly organised by them and we just play the supporting role."

Like Kali Puja, the members of Hindu community also play a similar role in popular Muslim festivals like Eid and Muharram.

"We believe in organising festivals together without any religious discrimination as the Hindus in Haripukur constitute a minority. We actively take part in the puja as the Hindus in our festivals like Eid and Muharram. The BSF and BGB jawans also participate in Diwali celebrations along with the Bangladeshi people. There is no politics and we are not bothered about religion. Togetherness is our strength and thus we are united," said Istaq Ali, a local.