In a time when Bengal’s social fabric often trembles under the weight of religious polarisation — with the BJP’s aggressive Hindutva narrative clashing against allegations of the TMC’s Muslim appeasement — the heart of Kolkata has quietly offered a shining counter-narrative. Amid the rhythmic beats of dhak (drum) and the fragrance of shiuli flower, the narrow lanes of Nadial and Metiaburuj became the stage for an extraordinary tale of communal brotherhood during Durga Puja — Bengal’s grandest festival.
In this south-western pocket of the city, known for its mixed demography and occasionally strained communal history, Muslim residents not only participated in the Puja festivities but also took the lead in spreading joy and safety. Over 250 Hindu women — married, single, and widowed — received saris from members of the Muslim community as festive gifts.
“The distribution was coordinated through local Barwari Puja Committees, who submitted lists of women from marginalised households to the Badratala Shanti Committee, ensuring that no one was left out of the celebration,” said Mohammad Warish.
This act of compassion was spearheaded by Warish, Shukur Ali Mollah, Nasim Haji, Mohammad Warish, Jumman Haji, Mansur Ali Mollah and Mithu Mollah, who have long been known in the locality for their social initiatives.
“Following religious rituals is personal,” said Shukur, adding, “But festivals like Eid or Durga Puja transcend religious boundaries. These are moments of collective happiness — and ensuring that joy remains untarnished is our shared responsibility.”
Beyond gifting, these men — along with Hindu residents such as Rudrendu Pal, Birbal Giri and Loknath Prasad — took to the streets as night guards during the Bisarjan Parva (immersion procession). They stood shoulder to shoulder, ensuring that no sparks of provocation could disrupt the peace or dim the laughter of celebration.
“No religion teaches hatred,” said Pal, adding, “If a few ill-minded people try to sow division, it’s our duty — as citizens and as humans — to silence them through unity.”
The Nadial Police Station welcomed their initiative, praising the community for taking proactive steps to preserve harmony.
“Similar scenes of mutual respect are visible during Eid, Qurbani, and Muharram, when Hindu residents stand by their Muslim neighbours to ensure peace. What sets Nadial apart this year is not merely the symbolic exchange of saris or the guarding of streets — it is the shared understanding that faith, when guided by empathy, can become the foundation of coexistence,” said an officer of Nadial police station.
In a city where political rhetoric often threatens to drown out reason, the residents of Nadial and Metiaburuj have quietly reminded Bengal of its truest tradition — that of humanity.
Also read: Heavy rains to continue in Kolkata, Durga Puja dampened
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