The saying goes, 'everyone has their own religion, but festivals are for all.' While examples abound, Midnapore's ‘Team Matin’ has truly exemplified this proverb.
For nearly 16 years, Sheikh Abdul Matin and his team have been shouldering the myriad responsibilities of Durga Puja immersion at Gandhi Ghat in Midnapore. Remarkably, the majority of his team members are Muslim. Even the Municipality places its trust in him. Every year, from Dashami onwards, the immersion commences at Midnapore's Gandhi Ghat, continuing until the day before Lakshmi Puja. During these few days, Matin, a 32-year-old resident of Patharghat in Midnapore, oversees almost all responsibilities at Gandhi Ghat.
To ensure a well-organized immersion, Matin works alongside his team, most of whom are Muslim. His group adeptly manages everything from lowering the idols with cranes to ensuring ghat security.
Each year, approximately a hundred idols are immersed at this Gandhi Ghat. Puja committees arrive one after another with their idols, and the immersion process continues throughout the night. Matin and his team control every aspect - from determining the route and manner of bringing idols to the ghat, to the order of immersion, and managing the spectator crowds. During this time, the festival takes precedence over religious distinctions. Matin says, “I enjoy doing this work. I know Durga Puja is the biggest festival for Bengalis. During idol immersion, we all work together. For us, this is part of the festival”.
Previously in the JCB business, Matin initially received the task of lowering idols with cranes during immersion from the municipality. Now, he has formed a team equipped with cranes and mechanical equipment. He further adds, “The municipality assigns the responsibility, but I do it from my heart. The love and respect shown by the Puja organizers and officials during idol immersion is unforgettable”. He has been consistently performing this task for 16 years straight.
Soumen Khan, the Chairman of Midnapore Municipality, states, “Matin is a very hardworking young man. Despite being Muslim, he fulfills the responsibility of idol immersion with dedication. The city's immersion process has been running smoothly for so many years, largely due to his disciplined work”.
Midnapore resident Dipankar Panda says, “It's unimaginable to think of immersion at Gandhi Ghat without Matin bhai. There would be many problems if he weren't there”. Another resident, Rubina Khatun, remarks, “Matin bhai is our pride. He works for people, rising above religious differences”.
