Kali Puja or Shyama Puja has always been considered an occasion for Hindus. But in a village located in the Upper Assam, people of the two faiths actively take part in the rituals during the Kali Puja festivities.

Transcending all religious barriers, the members(Both Hindus and Muslims) of the Sarbajanin Shri Shri Kali Puja committee, have celebrated the occasion with equal enthusiasm and active participation at Tiloi Nagar of Assam’s Dibrugarh district.

“The Hindus and Muslims here join their hands together and offer prayers to Goddess Kali setting an example of communal harmony for the whole world. The custom is alive for fifty years now and this year, we have made it a three-day affair as we have stepped into the silver jubilee year” said a committee member.

Kali also embodies power or feminine energy, creativity and fertility and is an incarnation of Parvati, wife of the greatest Hindu god Shiva.

“We are resolved to work together in each and every festival. We urge all the people of Assam to stand united irrespective of religious faiths,” said Raju Mohammad Ali, a Muslim member of the Puja committee.

Photo: Abdul Rajjak