HINDU TAZIA MAKER FROM ISLAMPUR

By Dipankar Dey

We have seen Muslims involve in Hindu Pujas, We have seen Muslims making Hindu goddesses idols we have seen Muslims decorating in Hindu puja festival. However, very less is written down about Hindus are also involved in same for the Muslims. One of the examples is that of a Hindu family from Islampur’s Matikunda area for the last 15 years is involved building Muharram Tazia for the Holy Muslim Festival of Muharram. The decorating artist is Mr. Abinash Bagchi, a Brahmin by Hindu caste. His father started making Tazia’s for 12 years and later his son i.e. Mr. Abinash Bagchi or popularly known as Sadhu Da is continuing the Tazia making the tradition for the last 5 years. Not only he himself but his wife Latika is also helping in his endeavor. Matikunda area is areas with Hindu families reside next to the Bagchi’s.

However, according to Mr. Bagchi, no one protested his endeavor. The people who buy the Tazia’s made by the Bagchi’s feel enthralled in the deal because Mr. Bagchi never leaves any stone unturned towards making the Tazia’s in a holy manner. Muslim organizers of Muharram festival in Islampur feel that there is a strong divine force to make the two community live in Islampur with uniformity for millenniums. Mr. Bagchi, on the other hand, is adamant to continue the profession if also there are no visible profits. According to him, his father has ingrained the unity in diversity mantra in his mindset and he will never turn back. On the other hand, local Muharram Organizer Mr. Bablu Mohammad says that this is very much a matter of pride that a Hindu man is making Tazias for them. Everyone in Islampur will try to stop the divisive forces to divide the unity of Hindu and Muslims in Islampur in the future.

Photos: Dipankar Dey (TNI)
Translation: R. Subrata (TNI Siliguri)