Culture

Odisha’s Sohela Durga Puja symbolises Hindu-Muslim unity

The Sohela Durga Puja in Bargarh district, Odisha located on the border of the State with Chhattisgarh has several distinctive features, setting it apart from others. It personifies unity and brotherhood of Hindus and Muslims as the members of the minority community not only participate but are also part of the organising committee.

Sohela Puja has had this history for 78 years ever since it started in 1944 where Muslims play a major role in conducting and organising the rituals and the celebrations.

More than one lakh people visit the Sohela Durga Puja

Talking to New Indian Express, Mohammad Rafique who is a former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and Vice-President of Puja organising committee said: “I had started as an executive member years ago but for the last more than 10 years I am the vice-president of the Durga Puja committee.  Despite many disturbances between the two communities across the country, the harmony between the Hindu and Muslim community has never been compromised here in Sohela.”

In fact, according to him Ma Durga binds the community.

Besides symbolising communal harmony, in this Puja unlike others the idol is worshipped for nine days in the pandal as per traditional rituals.

Interestingly, while Puja celebrations are going on, the organising committee also conducts Ram Leela for nine days. Local residents of the place participate and act in the Ram Leela.

At Soheja Durga Puja, Ram Leela is also held and has the Ravan going around on an elephant

Another unusual aspect is that a person donning Ravana’s costume goes around the village sitting on a caparisoned elephant. He rules the village during these nine days and also holds a court.

Several events and competitions are also held during the festivities and more than a lakh people including visitors from Chhattisgarh come to enjoy this Durga Puja.

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

‘Political space given to extremist forces’: EAM Jaishankar on attacks on Hindu temples in Canada

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the recent attacks on the Hindu temples…

28 mins ago

Coast Guard Chief S Paramesh calls on Navy Chief Admiral, deliberates on ICG’s operational readiness

Indian Coast Guard Chief Director General S Paramesh has called on Indian Navy Chief Admiral…

41 mins ago

North Korea launches short-range ballistic missiles ahead of US elections

Just a few hours ahead of the presidential polls in the United States, North Korea…

50 mins ago

Brampton: Thousands take out solidarity rally against attacks on Hindu temples in Canada

Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada on…

2 hours ago

Jaishankar meets Australian counterpart Penny Wong for Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in Canberra

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was welcomed by Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, at the…

2 hours ago

Israel targets Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Syria

Israel on Monday targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Syria. Sharing a post on X, the…

2 hours ago