Muslim artisans in Cuttack enjoy making tableaux of Goddess Durga

In a unique example of communal harmony, Muslim artisans are making beautiful tableaux of Goddess Durga ahead of Durga Puja.

Other than the tableaux of Goddess Durga, Muslim artisans for years have been making gears for the goddess like head gear, earrings etc made of golden threads called 'zari'.

Muslim artisans in Banka Bazar of Cuttack city have been designing tableaux for generations and whose works are in demand in neigbouring states as well.

A Muslim artisan, Zahir Khan, said the tradition has been going on for several decades.

"Relations between us remain good and we are happy to make the gears for the idols. They happily take it. There is no question that they think that we are Muslims and they won't take things from us. Everything goes well here," said Khan.

Local residents said they were overwhelmed by the intricate designs created by their Muslim brethren.

"Both Hindus and Muslims pray together during festivals. We head to their procession and they to ours. When they celebrate Eid, we celebrate it too. Now we have will have Dussehra festival and then they will have Muharram. We will celebrate it together," said a resident.

Durga Puja, also referred to as 'Durgotsava' or 'Sharadotsav', is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates worship of Hindu goddess Durga. It marks the victory of goddess Durga over the evil buffalo-demon Mahishasura. The festival epitomises the victory of good over evil.

The five-day Durga Puja will begin on October 19.