Muslim girl worshipped as Goddess Durga on Eid during Khuti puja in Kolkata

In a remarkable display of communal harmony, six-year-old Rimisha, a Muslim girl, was worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga during a community Durga Puja in Kolkata.

The initiative aimed to bridge religious differences and promote unity. On Eid-al-Adha, Rimisha adorned a red saree, floral tiara, and garland, symbolizing the deity, as part of the Kumari Puja.

The idea was proposed by Ajoy Ghosh, the president of the Baranagar Friend's Association, to help heal religious divides following incidents of violence during Ram Navami in the state.

Rimisha's parents, Nadim Ali and Sanijda, expressed their overwhelming gratitude towards the initiative, emphasizing the importance of unity in trying times. The organisers of the Khuti Puja purposefully selected a girl from the Muslim community to set an example and foster harmony among different religions.

The event, held in the Nainan neighborhood, saw participation from people of all communities. Muslims attended the Hindu puja dressed in their finest Eid attire, signifying solidarity.

During the puja, the priest worshipped Rimisha, considering her as an embodiment of Goddess Durga. Rimisha's father, despite a busy day celebrating Eid-al-Adha, managed to attend the puja at the temple in the afternoon. He also offered namaz at a nearby masjid in Cossipore before the Kumari Puja. The priest expressed his happiness to be associated with such a unique endeavor.