Dalit women's fistful of rice for an exceptional Durga Puja in Sherpur

Hindu tribal and Dalit women in Satani Para Mahalla of Sherpur district town have organized Durga Puja in a unique initiative. They collected money for this puja by collecting a fistful of rice each day while cooking and selling it. This initiative is being led by a women's organization called "Uma Sangha".

Last year, Uma Sangha organized Durga Puja on a small scale for the first time. Using that experience, this year they formed a full-fledged women's committee of 23 members and planned the puja in advance. It is learned that 42 families in Satani Para contribute a fistful of rice each day. By selling this rice, an average of 200 taka is saved from each household per month. At the end of the year, this initiative has collected about 60 thousand taka.

However, the cost of the puja stood at more than one lakh taka. The remaining money came from local well-wishers, charitable individuals of the city, the municipality and government assistance. The construction of the idol, the construction of the gate, the lighting and other preparations have already been completed. The puja rituals will begin on September 28, the day of Shasthi. Along with women, men and youth are also working on this event.

Uma Sangha President Mukti Biswas said, “Maa Devi is a symbol of female power. We have organized the puja with a handful of rice with the confidence that we can do it too. Using the experience of the last time, we have organized it on a larger scale this time.” Sumita Biswas, General Secretary of the organization, said, “People of all classes and castes are cooperating in this puja. We will maintain this continuity in the future as well.”

Local tribal leader Vidwan Biswas said, “What is not possible for one person, becomes possible with collective efforts. This initiative will create enthusiasm in the society.”

Jitendra Majumder, president of Sherpur District Puja Celebration Front, said, "We are impressed by the exceptional Puja arrangements of Uma Sangha. Therefore, their allocation has been kept a little higher than other mandap. We will continue to provide security and other assistance during the Puja. This initiative by women instills respect for women's power."