Holi bonds Hindus & Muslims together in this Odisha village

At a time when communal forces are threatening to disrupt the religious harmony in the Country, there are two small villages in Odisha’s Nimapara, where people of both the Hindu and Muslim communities celebrate Holi together as a mark of harmonious coexistence.

Not only they play Holi, both the communities take part in the Dola Utsav too.

The festival begins from Panchudola, five days prior to the Holi festival. The deity is taken on his ‘Bimana’ to every house in both villages and ‘Bhoga’ is offered by all irrespective of the religion.

Local MLA & Odisha School & Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Dash said, “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai hum sab hain bhai hai.. This is the spirit, which has been continuing in this area for hundreds of years. I am happy and proud that such a practice is carried out here.”

Local resident Shamsher Mohammed said, “I have been watching this since my childhood. Everybody enjoys the festival. They colour us and in return we colour them too, spreading love in the villages.”

(Reported By Sanjay Pati, OTV)