Confluence of cultures on Kali Puja

HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Nov 13: Jorhat witnessed a confluence of cultures and communal harmony on Kali Puja on
Sunday.
While the Kenedy Park Sarbajanin Kali Puja Committee in Mariani this time themed the mandap as the
Sistine Chapel of the Vatican City, a Muslim lady donated generously to the Kali Puja celebrations at
the Borbhetta Puja Mandir.
The president of Kenedy Park Puja Committee in Mariani, Amit Paul, said that though the exterior roof
at the entrance was studded with statues of Christ bearing the cross, the interior was put up with
images of the Mother Goddess Kali in different postures and forms instead of murals of biblical scenes
as seen in the Sistine Chapel , asserting that religion had no boundaries.
Amit Paul said that every year they took up one theme or the other to send across a message to society.
“Last year we spread the message of environmental conservation by not using a single plastic item. The
Goddess and other consorts by her side were draped in pulses and spices. This year als Maa Kali has
been draped with a golden fibre which resembles jute, but which is known as Hoogly yarn. This material
has been sourced from Kolkata and has been used even in the decorations of the pandal.
Biswajit Bhattacharya, headmaster of a school in Mariani who served as the purohit said, “Each year the
footfalls crossed 10,000 and today the number of devotees arriving at the puja pandal went up by
another 6,000. The devotees were served Kachori and a sweet, a lal mohan packed with dried fruits,
pista and nuts. More than 30 workers were engaged in preparing these delicacies from early during the
day till late in the night.
In the Borbhetta Kali Mandir, a Muslim lady who lived in the locality donated generously to the Kali Puja
Committee. President of the committee, AK Borthakur said that not only did the lady donate generously
,but also ate the dishes which were prepared on the occasion and sat for a while and even prayed to the
Goddess.
“Although a Muslim, she has been almost a part of the Hindu society as she is seen in temples and
namghars paying obeisance to Hindu Gods and Goddesses,” said Borthakur.