RIP: Places of worship remember the dead
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Kolkata: People from different faiths came together in Kolkata to express grief and solidarity following the tragic crash of an Air India 171 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, which occurred shortly after take-off on Thursday and claimed 274 lives.
Various places of worship across the city organised special prayers, uniting people in remembering the victims and expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased. Emergency services personnel who participated in rescue operations were also acknowledged in public prayers.
At the Nakhoda mosque on Zakaria Street, special prayers were offered for the victims and their families after the Friday prayers.
The trustees of the mosque also released a condolence message after the prayer, expressing deep sorrow. "We, the citizens of this country, are deeply saddened by the tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad, which has claimed many lives and left families in grief. We stand with the families in this hour of grief.
May the departed souls find eternal peace, and may those left behind find love and comfort in the prayers of the community.
May God grant strength to those mourning their loved ones and guide the hands of those working tirelessly in rescue and relief operations," read the message signed by Nasser Ebrahim, a trustee of the mosque.
The members of the Sikh community, who were observing the Gurpurab of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji on Thursday, also held special prayers. At Gurdwara Behala, an Ardaas (Sikh prayer) seeking peace for the departed souls and unwavering strength for the bereaved families enduring unspeakable loss was held.
Special prayers were offered not only for the victims of Flight 171 but also for the broader community affected by this grief.
"Guru Hargobind Singh Ji taught us the path of compassion, courage, and collective responsibility. In times of joy and sorrow, the Sangat stands united as one family, extending its prayers and support to those in need. Today, our Ardaas for the departed souls of Flight 171 is a tribute to their memory," said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, general secretary of the gurdwara.
Special prayers were held at the Archbishop's chapel on Friday morning to express grief for the deceased. Many churches will also be offering prayers for the deceased and their families after the Mass on Sunday. "Our prayers are with the souls of the deceased. May they find eternal rest. We offer our prayers for the families and loved ones of the victims. May they find strength and solace in this incredibly difficult time," said Father Dominic Gomes, the Vicar General.
Members of The Old Mission Church on RN Mukherjee Road will be remembering the victims during the Sunday Mass. "We have already offered our condolences and prayers in our WhatsApp group of the members. On Sunday, we will be offering a prayer again during the Mass," said an office bearer of the church.
Samaj Sebi Sangha in south Kolkata will remember the victims during their Khuti Puja. "The loss of so many lives has shocked us. We will be praying for the departed souls during the Khuti Puja on Sunday," said Arijit Maitra, general secretary of the puja committee.
Kamalendu Bhadra)
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