The temple is being taken care of by the family of Haji Mohammad Ilyas since 1965. During the devastating riots of October 1989, this Muslim family stood resolutely to shield the temple from harm
Team Clarion
BHAGALPUR – As Kali Puja draws near, preparations in Bihar’s Bhagalpur are in full swing, with the city poised to celebrate its revered tradition. This year, on the night of October 31, Kali idols will be installed across the city, only to be immersed on November 2, marking the culmination of the Puja festivities. Yet, Bhagalpur’s Kali Puja is more than a festival; it is a symbol of communal harmony, best exemplified by a Kali temple in Momin Tola that has been preserved and protected by a Muslim family for decades, even in times of unrest.
The temple cared for by the family of Haji Mohammad Ilyas since 1965, bears a testimony to the extraordinary gesture of unity and mutual respect. It was during the devastating riots of October 1989, days before Kali Puja, that this Muslim family stood resolutely to shield the temple from harm. The violence that engulfed Bhagalpur left over a thousand people, about 900 of them Muslims, dead and saw widespread damage, with rioters indiscriminately targeting religious places. Amid this chaos, members of the Muslim community presented an unwavering commitment to communal harmony, embodying what is locally known as the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb – the syncretic culture of co-existence along the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
Haji Mohammad Ilyas, now 88, recalls the intense days of 1989, when anti-social elements roamed the city targeting religious sites. “They were coming for the Kali temple, driven by blind rage,” he recounted. “I knew I could not let them destroy what is precious to so many people. I picked up a stick, stood in front of the temple, and urged them to stop. With firm words and faith, I managed to calm them down, and together, both Hindus and Muslims kept vigil over the temple.”
This year, however, Haji Ilyas’s health has declined, and he has entrusted the responsibility of safeguarding the temple to his son, Ishtiyak. Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Ishtiyak noted, “There are no Hindus living near the temple now. But for us, this temple belongs to everyone. It’s a heritage, a mark of unity that we continue to protect. We have even formed a youth committee that assists with the preparations and takes care of any needs during the Puja.”
Despite the dwindling Hindu population in Momin Tola, the area comes alive with each Kali Puja as both communities converge to honour the Hindu deity. According to Ranjit Pandit, who has been crafting the idol of Kali for over three decades, this spirit of collaboration and harmony is ingrained in the people of Bhagalpur. “Even during the 1989 riots, we went ahead with the idol-making. There was a feeling that we could not let hate disrupt what we hold sacred,” Pandit said. “With the support of the Muslim community, we completed the Puja peacefully and, as always, performed the immersion ritual without any trouble.”
The presence of the Muslim youth committee, led by Ishtiyak, has become integral to the celebrations. The group of young volunteers ensures the temple’s upkeep, helps with organising the Puja, and steps in to meet any needs. “Wherever there are gaps, we fill them together,” Ishtiyak shared. “Over the years, this bond has only grown stronger. We don’t see any difference when it comes to the temple or the festivities.”
A Legacy of Unity
This shared devotion between Bhagalpur’s Hindu and Muslim communities is a powerful reminder that communal harmony remains resilient despite attempts to fracture it. The Kali temple, nestled within the close-knit community of Momin Tola, stands as a testament to this bond. Each year, as the city prepares to celebrate Kali Puja, the temple attracts locals and visitors alike who come to witness this example of peaceful co-existence.
The tradition continues, with the idol of Kali Mata set to be installed at 11 pm on October 31. For Bhagalpur, this occasion serves as a reminder of the power of unity in diversity. As Ishtiyak summed up, “We don’t need grand statements about peace – it’s right here in our actions, every time we stand together. This is our Bhagalpur, and it’s for everyone.”
