Subhro Maitra, TNN | Nov 4, 2013, 02.41 AM IST
Crematoria are mostly related to the last journey and pangs of separation. But at th Mahadipur crematoria this KaliPuja, the sense of bereavement did not hang heavy on the atmosphere. Instead, the spirit of festivities filled the air and there were joyous mood all around as hundreds of devotees from Bangladesh crossed the border and reached the crematorium to offer prayers to goddess Kali.
For some, it was a homecoming of sorts and for others, it was nothing short of a pilgrimage. For once, religious sentiments scored over protocol. Devotees were spared suspicious glare of the border guards. In a warm gesture, they were greeted with a wide smile as they crossed the barbed wires.
However, the situation was not conducive for such seamless movement of devotees in last two years. Denied an entry into the Indian territory, thousands of devotees had to satisfy themselves by sending their offerings through BSF jawans. The situation changed for the better this year with the relaxation of norms between two nations. But, only women were allowed to cross the border.
For Sandhya Karmakar and others of village Balipota, the joy knew no bounds. "It is by the grace of Ma Kali that we could meet our sisters living here," Sadhya said. TOI spotted the siblings sharing a warm hug. On the other hand, Maya Mandal of Baliadighi, who had married off her daughter, met her after two years.
The festive spirit has brought Sabina and Mousumi Khatun all the way from Chapai Nawabgunj just to have a glimpse of their mother who lives in India. The case of Mosammat Tumpa or Jahanara Begum was more touching. They have no relatives in India. Still, they covered hundreds of miles to touch the Indian soil.
Dhirajit Singha, one of the organizers of the fair - aptly christened as Milon Mela - said, "We are grateful to the BSF to allow our Bangladesh sisters to take part in this puja. Around 300 Bangladeshi devotees crossed the border to celebrate Kali Puja."
