Communal harmony --a living tradition in Orissa

Communal harmony during Rath yatra.

While communal violence in Kandhamal tarnished the image of Orissa, and placed Orissa much low in Human Rights protection, here is totally opposite news, which shows Communal harmony and co-existence is a tradition of Orissa. This tradition is seen in Remanda village of Jharsuguda district. Since 1988, this valuable tradition started; during Rath Yatra (car festival) village Chief Warsh Mahammad is invited to do the welcome of Lord Jagannath by performing the prestigious ‘Chhera-pahara’ ritual. Hundreds of years back, Rath yatra was performed in Rampela village (near Remanda), but Rampela was submerged due Hirakud Dam project. Thus Remanda villagers could not visit Rath yatra; villages Chief Warsh Mahammad empathised with their woe and started Rath yatra here. He also bears all the expenses of the festival. Villagers happily invited him as their chief guest to do the ritual of Chhera-pahara. This tradition of Remanda makes the village an example of Communal harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.

A sysmbol of Religious harmony.

The shrine of Baba Bhujakhira Pir of Balasore stands as a symbol of harmony between Muslim and Hindu. During the occasion of Urs, Crowd gathers at shrine comprises both Hindu and Muslims. This is an age-old tradition here. The legend tells that Aasthana Sharif Hazrat Pir, name afterwards as ‘Bhujakhia Pir’ had come to Orissa in the 16th century and devoted himself to the service of mankind, especially to the service of Cholera victims. The Pir was much fond of ‘Bhuja’ (Puffed rice), and he is remembered as Bhujakhia Pir. Since after his demise also he is remembered with respect and the shrine remained as place of worship for both communities since centuries.

Communal Harmony in Orissa

Orissa is recently condemned for Communal riot in Kandhamal; which has become a dark spot on Orissa. But traditionaly Orissa is observing Peace & Harmony within mutiple communities --this also should be praised. Orissa is famous for Hindu-Muslim Communal harmony.
In Sambalpur Hindus take out Tazia procession. Padhiary family of Mudipada, Sambalpur town have been observing Muharram for last 300 years. Both Hindus and Muslims take part in the festival happily.