Kali Puja held on own land after 39 -yr in Keshabpur : Joy in area, an example of religious harmony
James Abdur Rahim Rana, JashoreKali Puja is being held on its own land after almost 39 years at the Sarappur Dakshinpara Sarvajanin Kali Mandir in Keshabpur Upazila of Jashore . After overcoming long-standing disputes and land complications, it is now possible to organize the puja again on the temple's recorded land, and a tide of joy and celebration has descended across the area.For the past four decades, this puja was being held elsewhere due to various reasons. Due to complications over land ownership among the locals, party influence and administrative hurdles, it was not possible to hold the puja at the temple's own place. But this year, with the concerted efforts of the locals and the cooperation of the administration, that long-awaited dream was finally fulfilled.According to locals , the dispute over the temple land started after 1986. Over time, the dispute became complicated and the puja was about to be stopped. However, recently, SI Shamim Hossain, in-charge of Chingra Bazar Police Camp, held several meetings with both sides for a peaceful solution. His active role, cooperation of local public representatives and the united attitude of the locals resulted in the settlement of the land dispute.
SI Shamim Hossain said, "There was a long-standing mental division in the area, which has now ended. We have provided all-out cooperation from the administration so that everyone can celebrate the festival together peacefully. We have worked on this principle: religion belongs to everyone, the festival belongs to everyone."
Shri Tarun Kumar Mallick, who led the puja celebrations, said, “This is the happiest moment of our lives, after almost 39 years, to be able to worship the Goddess at our own place. The feeling that the puja is being performed again on the land where our ancestors built this temple cannot be expressed in words.”The locals are proud of this unique example of religious harmony. Many from the Muslim community came to the puja mandap to offer their greetings and stood by the puja celebration committee.
