Hindu-Muslim girls unite to organise Durga Puja

Kolkata, Oct 3: As a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, a group of girls from both the religions are organising a Durga Puja inside a shelter home for trafficked women here.

Rescued earlier this year after being trafficked to Mumbai from West Bengal's Murshidabad, two Muslim girls are not only taking part in the festivities at NGO Sanlaap's shelter home in Narendrapur but are also worshipping the goddess of power and cooking the 'bhog' that would be offered to the deity.

Following all the traditions, 23-year-old Shabana Begum (name changed) wakes up early each morning during all days of the 'Navratri' and spearheads the puja preparations for the day. She fasts till 'anjali' is offered to Goddess Durga.

"I had been to Durga Puja pandals before but never participated in it. This is the first experience for me where I am doing it by following all rituals and traditions. We are enjoying it and have accepted it as one of our festivals," she told PTI.

Besides her, there are around 20 other girls, mostly followers of Islam, who decorated the pandal and are taking care of daily activities.

PTI