Muslims are taking part in religious rituals, cultural programmes and in make- shift businesses during Lokhi Puja celebrations in Assam.
On Sunday night, a week long celebrations started in most of the districts of upper and lower Assam both including neighboring states Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha and neighboring country Bangladesh.
“There was never a religious discrimination here in the state especially in tea-gardens. Both Hindus and Muslims live unitedly here since long. ” said Navin Tanti organizing Committee member (cultural) of Beesakopie Lokhi Puja Udyapan Xomiti in Tinsukia district of upper Assam.
“They take part in religious rituals, in cultural programmes, in different competitions on the occasion, they do business, there is a never a feeling of difference between us. Not only that people from Christian, Sikh, Buddha and Jain also take part in the Puja celebrations. Ultimately we are Indian and we are one. Our joy and sorrow are same. ” Navin added.
It may be mentioned here that Assam has a good number of indigenous Muslim community including those who are down to earth and rural belt of tea gardens. Either they work in the tea gardens, tea factories or outside as daily wage labourers to meet there needs. Although most of them are illetrate as they never got an opportunity to go to school or left the school at primary stage.
Shabana, a visitor at Lokhi Puja Mandap at Biswanath district, said, ” There was a silent and unhappy atmosphere for the last two years here due to corona virus pendemic. By the grace of Allah again every thing normal. We should love each other and help each other. “
A four-day celebration is on at Bihali Chay Bagicha also. The big cities of Assam like Guwahati, Jorhat, Shivsagar and Silchar too celebrating the festival with pomp and gaiety.
Lokhi or Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity of all forms both material and spiritual
