Baripada (Mayurbhanj): In the small village of Tentuldinga in Odisha, a unique story of communal harmony unfolds every year during Durga Puja. For the past 40 years, a Muslim man named Kohinoor Islam has been at the forefront of organising the Hindu festival, bringing together people of different faiths in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
Kohinoor Islam (76) started the village’s own Durga Puja in 1985. Before that, many women from Tentuldinga and nearby villages had to walk long distances to Baripada town to participate in the celebrations and rituals like ‘Sindoor Khela’ and ‘Sandhi Puja.’ Observing this hardship, Kohinoor suggested holding a local festival to make it easier for the villagers.
“I asked the people of the village if they wanted to start our own ‘Sarbajanina Durga Puja’ because women were walking long distances and returning late from Baripada,” Kohinoor recalls. The villagers welcomed the idea and 24 of them came forward to support it. A committee was formed, with Kohinoor as its head.
Starting with just 25 members, the committee has now grown to include over 550 members from both Hindu and Muslim communities. This growth reflects the spirit of brotherhood that Kohinoor has nurtured over the years.
Kohinoor says, “We are all brothers. I do not care about who does what or for whom.” His dedication is evident as he has led the festival year after year despite challenges and obstacles.
Under Kohinoor’s leadership, Tentuldinga’s Durga Puja has become well-known for its inclusive spirit. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and contributions come from people of all faiths.
Paritosh Nanda, the priest who has been performing rituals for 25 years, praises Kohinoor’s devotion, “His love for the puja is greater than any decorations or lighting.”
During the puja, bhoga (prasad) is distributed to everyone in the village, irrespective of religion, and people from nearby villages flock to join the celebrations. The festival has become a symbol of harmony and mutual respect.
Ramhari Das, a committee member, shares, “Today is Navami, tomorrow is Dussehra, and then we wait for another year to celebrate Maa Durga again. Such pujas are rare in Odisha and we are proud to host this one that so many people love.”
Aprna Singh, a young resident of Tentuldinga, recalls the early days, “Before this puja started, many villagers had no proper roads or transport. Some even had to swim across rivers to attend the Durga Puja in town. Our grandfather, Kohinoor Islam, thought about this and started the puja here. Now, lakhs of people come to Tentuldinga during Ashtami and Navami to witness the celebrations.”
Kohinoor’s story is a testament to how faith and traditions can bring people together rather than divide them. His message is simple and powerful — unity, respect, and brotherhood can overcome all barriers.
As Kohinoor says, “It is because of my Allah and Goddess Durga that we have been able to host this puja for 40 years.”
