Muslim Real Estate Developer Constructs Temple Access Road for Chaiti Chhath Puja
In a powerful display of interfaith solidarity, Mumtaz Ahmad Khan, a Muslim real estate developer from Daltonganj, is earning widespread praise for voluntarily building a kuccha road to the Jhalkhandi temple in Tarhassi block. This initiative aims to facilitate the movement of devotees during the upcoming Chaiti Chhath puja, sending a resonant message of communal harmony across the community and society at large.
Facilitating Devotees During Major Festival
The Jhalkhandi temple, located in Majhouli panchayat, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually during the Chaiti Chhath celebrations. A significant fair is organized nearby, drawing particularly large numbers of women participants. According to temple staff, the event typically sees over 25,000 devotees, with approximately 90% being women. The existing approach road required improvement to ensure safe and accessible passage for all attendees.
Khan explained that the temple managing committee approached him with a request to repair the road. "I readily agreed to do so on my own," he stated, emphasizing his personal commitment to the project. He has deployed two road construction tools—one for unloading soil and another as a road leveller—working diligently to complete the task promptly. "The approach road will be walkable for the devotees tomorrow," Khan assured, highlighting the urgency of the work being done on a war footing.
Personal Investment and Community Contribution
Funding the project entirely from his personal resources, Khan is investing around Rs 50,000 to ensure the road is functional for the festival. "It's an honour for me to contribute to the society in any way," he expressed, underscoring his dedication to social service beyond religious boundaries. This act of generosity is not an isolated incident; Khan has a longstanding history of supporting the temple community.
Amuk Priyadarshi, chief of the temple managing committee, praised Khan's unwavering support. "Mumtaz bhaiya is a part of the family of Jhalkhandi temple management," he said. Priyadarshi noted that Khan has offered selfless services during the Chaiti Mela for over fifteen years, including past efforts like arranging water tankers for devotees in summer. The current project involves comprehensive tasks from levelling the field to making the road walkable, all managed by Khan to accommodate thousands of visitors from more than four dozen villages who arrive with religious flags.
Broader Implications and Social Impact
This initiative transcends mere infrastructure development, serving as a beacon of unity in a diverse society. By bridging religious divides through practical action, Khan's efforts resonate deeply within the local community and beyond, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. The story highlights how individual acts of kindness can inspire collective harmony, especially during significant cultural and religious events like Chaiti Chhath puja.
As the festival approaches, the newly constructed road will not only ease logistical challenges but also symbolize the enduring spirit of communal solidarity. Khan's commitment exemplifies how personal initiative can drive positive social change, reinforcing the values of service and inclusivity that are central to community well-being.
