Muslim family leads 400-year-old Rath Yatra in Howrah symbolising Bengal’s communal harmony

The annual Rathyatra at Tajpur village in Howrah district has entered its 400th year in 2025. Organised by the Ray family of Tajpur, the event is held in honour of their family deity Shridhar, whose idol is a sacred Shaligram Shila. Though popularly called the ‘Raybari ka Rath,’ the official name of the chariot is ‘Shridhar Rath.’ The event is marked by traditional rituals, including the ceremonial procession of the idol from the family temple to the chariot in a palanquin, conducted by seven Brahmins.

A significant aspect of this Rathyatra is the active involvement of a Muslim family in leading the procession. The Kazi family from Sarada village, located near Tajpur, has been pulling the chariot and managing the beginning of the procession for several generations. The tradition is currently upheld by Saku Kazi, who inherited the responsibility from his father, Khalek Kazi. This custom begins with the Kazi family pulling the chariot ropes, which formally marks the start of the Rathyatra.

According to Ray family member Manas Ray, the tradition began around 400 years ago when their ancestor Mokut Ray, who once served as the Diwan of the Bardhaman Maharaja, started the Rathyatra in Tajpur at the request of the Maharaja. During the 1946 communal riots, when tensions spread across Bengal and reached Tajpur, the Ray family had considered cancelling the event. At that time, Khalek Kazi took initiative, assured the community of safety, and organised the event, encouraging participation from the Muslim community.

Following that incident, the Ray family decided to formally begin the Rathyatra each year with the Kazi family pulling the chariot ropes first. This decision has continued without interruption since 1946. Each year, the same sequence is followed: the idol is brought out in a palanquin, rituals are performed by Brahmins, and the Kazis initiate the pulling of the chariot, followed by villagers. The event also features a fair attended by large crowds from nearby areas.

Saku Kazi stated, “Humare liye yeh koi dharmik karyakram nahi, balki ek sanskritik utsav hai, jisme sabhi samudaay ke log shamil hote hain.” Local MLA Sukanta Pal, who attended the event, said, “Main bachpan se is rath se juda hoon. Yeh aayojan samuhikta aur sauhardr ka ek udaharan hai. Rathyatra aur usse juda mela poore kshetra ko utsav mein badal deta hai.”