Baripada: This 74-year-old Muslim man, Kohinoor Islam of Tentulidinga village under Gangraj gram panchayat in Mayurbhanj district has led from the front in organising Durga Puja for over 30 years.
It all started in 1986, upon seeing women of the village travel to Baripada town just to take part in Durga Puja, he came up with the idea of starting the festival in their own village.
Villagers agreed to his proposal and with funds collected from locals, the Tentulidinga Durga Puja Committee was established. Since then, Kahinoor is discharging the responsibility of committee head with around 500 members.
He supervises every detail of the Puja. Kohinoor is not only known for his organisational skills, but he can also recite several Sholakas and mantras at ease.
“This is an example of our unity and brotherhood. People of Tentulidinga have exemplified communal harmony,” Union Minister and Baripada MP, Bisweshwar Tudu said.
The best part of the celebration at Tentulidinga is people from different walks of life, despite belonging from other communities, provide financial support to the committee to facilitate its smooth running.
This time the Puja is being celebrated after a two-year hiatus, so it is special, the locals said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the rituals get over, we distribute prasad to people of all communities living in the village.
