Muslims in Bihar make earthen stoves for Chhath Puja

Nov 15, 2021

Patna (Bihar), Nov 15 (ANI): Presenting a wonderful example of communal harmony, around 100 Muslim Potters in Bihar’s capital, Patna have been for years preparing earthen stoves for the Hindu festival of Chhath. For many, it is their ancestral work and now they have been carrying forward the legacy of their family. They say Hindus love their stoves and eagerly buy them. Chhath is considered as one of the most significant and auspicious festivals of northern Bihar and in parts of the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in which devotees pray to the rising sun for the well-being and prosperity of their children and spouse. Chhati Maiya regarded as the sister of Sun is worshipped as the Goddess of the festival. According to the tradition, devotees prepare prasad and offerings for her on earthen stoves. And as these stoves are quite significant for worshippers, the Muslim potters take immense care of cleanliness for a month while preparing them. They do not even consume meat and fish till the stove is ready. The way one community is showing its regard for the beliefs of other community not just presents the picture of India’s unity in diversity but also the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.