Kolkata and several parts of Bengal witnessed a remarkable show of solidarity on Friday, as communities across religious lines came together in peaceful protests, raising a unified voice against violence and hatred.
Following the Friday prayers, Rajabazar, Park Circus, and Metiabruz became symbols of communal harmony. At Uluberia’s Jama Masjid, a silent procession began soon after the Jumma Namaz and culminated in front of the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office. Young men, clutching the national flag and placards promoting unity, marched solemnly, sending out a strong message of peace.
An Unexpected Moment of Brotherhood
At Rajabazar, after prayers concluded, a large gathering of men dressed in white kurta-pajamas lined both sides of the street, holding aloft the tricolour and posters bearing messages like “Terrorism has no place in Islam.”
A passing motorcyclist, who introduced himself as Naman Singh, stopped, moved by the sight. Asking if he could join, he was met with a warm, collective, “Why not?” Singh, whose motorbike proudly displayed “Jai Hindu,” stood shoulder to shoulder with the gathering—an image that captured the spirit of the day.
Across Bengal, Calls for Unity and Condemnation of Violence
Similar scenes unfolded elsewhere. In Hooghly’s Imambara, the congregation condemned terror attacks during the Friday sermon, appealing for peace.
In Bolpur, mosques across the town observed prayers in memory of the victims, with many locals participating in the mourning. Murshid Nawaz Khan, President of Bolpur Town Mosque, emphasized, “Islam does not support senseless violence.”
Messages from the Pulpit: Islam and the Sanctity of Life
At Kolkata’s Narkeldanga Jama Masjid, Imam Makarim Ahsan Karim addressed worshippers before the midday prayers, reminding them, “The killing of an innocent is against the teachings of Islam. To harm one innocent soul is to strike at the heart of humanity itself. Islam does not even condone the unnecessary killing of a bird or cutting down a tree offering shade.” His words were received with deep, solemn reflection.
Human Chains of Solidarity Across Kolkata
In Park Circus, several mosques, including Tantibagan Ahle Hadith Masjid and Bhaban Chowdhury Masjid at the Seven-Point Crossing, witnessed human chains of solidarity.
Similar gatherings were seen outside Bilal Masjid in Topsia and Bashbagan Masjid, where Imams urged congregants to channel their grief over the Pahalgam tragedy into a renewed commitment to justice and peace.
Defying Hate, Embracing Brotherhood
As poet Shankha Ghosh once wrote, “In difficult times, the only way forward is to stand together.”
On this Jumma afternoon, Bengal lived that spirit — Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike linked arms, defying the narratives of hate that often flood social media.
Notably, earlier this week, Kolkata’s streets had already seen Hindus, Muslims, and Christians rallying together in public demonstrations, carrying a shared message of peace and harmony.
In these challenging times, the city showed the nation what unity truly looks like
