Hindus & Muslims have been jointly organizing a Durga Puja in Agartala for 19 years; here's the story

Agartala: A Durga Puja in Tripura's capital city of Agartala is winning accolades from across the country. Why, one might ask? Well, you see this puja is being organized by both Hindus and Muslims who take part in the festivities in equal measure.

In 2002, people from both faiths sat down together and decided to begin organizing a Durga Puja in the largely-Muslim locality in Agartala town.

The Committee of the puja consists of both Hindus and Muslims. Similarly, the grounds where the puja is held also hosted a Namaz during Eid which was affected this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In this unique puja, persons from both the faiths perform 'aarti' and all other puja rituals together.

Interestingly, while the Hindus come decked up in their traditional wear, the Muslim attendees wear their traditional religious clothes.

The organizers believe that the message of unity sent out via this puja should reach every corner of the country. "Not only in Tripura, but in all of India and in fact the world, we want to send a message. First, we are Indians. Religion belongs to a particular community, but the festivals are for everyone. We have been observing this puja with this very principle for 19 years," Tapan Dutta, one of the organizers told scribes.

Dutta further informed that all the activities related to the puja -- such as collection of donations -- are done jointly by Hindus and Muslims.

Rahiz Miya, the President of the puja comittee disclosed that Hindus assist in Eid, while Muslims assist during the Durga puja. "This is a place where there is no division on the basis oof religion. Hindus and Muslims both love each other here and this is a play of unity."

At a time when communal tensions across India are running high and every other thing is being politicized, this puja has emerged as a shining beacon of hope that there is indeed hope for unity in diversity in India

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