HINDUS AND MUSLIMS WEAVE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD

An excellent example of semblance, Hindus and Muslims alike make all efforts to give final shape to the mandaps and pandals in Delhi as the count down for the three day Durga Puja festival begins.

In this land of many cultures, this is a heart warming act, where the Muslim artisans say it is their labour for love and an occasion to serve God.

"We are working whole heartedly. We are doing good work and we are enjoying it. It is a work of art and the question of Hindu and Muslim do not arise here. We are like brothers. We want to show all that we do not have any problems," said Raj Ahmed.

Durga Puja which is regarded as more of a community festival is also an occasion for showcasing talents and worshiping talent and is one step more towards God.

"Puja is one such platform where we do not think about religion. Question of communal differences do not arise when we showcase our art. It is not good to bring divisions between the Hindus and the Muslims. Only talent and work matters. God is one, only the way we worship is different," said Biswajit Sain.

Delhi will witness more than 300 Durga Puja pandals this year. The estimated cost of a pandal is rupees 35 lakhs.

Most of the pandals are fire proof and no loopholes have been left in security arrangements.

Sculptors are working 24 hours a day to give final shape to the idols of the Goddesses. The idols are priced between rupees 5,000 and 50,000.

"We are working day and night to finish off the work. The days are hectic. We have to complete the work in time since very few days are left for the commencement of Puja," said Bapi Tarafdar, a sculptor.

Festival preparations begin two months in advance. Businesses establishments launches special advertisement campaigns and stock themselves with special products.

Pre-Puja bargain sales and exhibitions introduce the sartorial style for the coming year.

Bengali newspapers and magazines publish special issues "Sharad Sankhya" - the platform for many budding authors, besides the works by well-known writers.

Music companies have a number of new discs and cassettes published every Puja and the music lovers await eagerly for the new releases.