In a unique show of communal harmony, Hindus and Muslims of the city celebrated the festivals of Bhasani (Goddess Durga’s immersion) and Id-ul-Zuha back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, respectively, with fervour and gaiety.
The vivacity of the twin festivals was palpable as hundreds of Muslims joined their Hindu brethrens during the Durga Puja and the same was reciprocated with enthusiasm as thousands of Hindus joined the Muslims in spreading love and brotherhood on the occasion of Bakri-id.
“Both the festivals went off peacefully without any untoward incident reported from anywhere,” said a senior city police officer complimenting the unique universal brotherhood (bhaichara) of the city.
Meanwhile, reports reaching here said Muslims across the State, particularly in Sambalpur, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Brahmapur, Baleswar, Bhadrak and the capital city of Bhubaneswar celebrated the festival with great enthusiasm as Muslims in large numbers offered mass prayers at Masjids at their respective places. In Cuttack city, Muslims in the morning thronged different Masjids at Qaddam-e-Rasool, Sutahat, Jobra, Dargha Bazaar and Idgah Padia to offer mass prayers. “This is a festival of sacrifice and not necessarily one has to sacrifice any living being of flesh and blood,” said Sk Quereshi of Odia Bazar.
“This is a unique city known for its bhaichara where people from different communities come together to celebrate each Indian festival with joy and pride. We joined the Bhasani festival yesterday, and today our Hindu brothers joined us at Masjids,” said Ramzan Khan, a city corporator.