Cuttack, August 10 (Odisha.in) While bitter fight between communities have become the order of the day in many places of our country , Orissa have proved to be an exception.
Communal harmony and respecting to each others religion has become an age old tradition in Orissa, which is evident from the fact that since past 71 years, a Muslim family of Cuttack is producing an almanac ( *Panchang *) known as
Orissa Kohinoor Press Panjika.
The almanac has been accepted by the highest Hindu religious body , the *Mukti Mandap Pundit Sabha* of Sri Jagannth temple of Puri.
All the rituals of Sri Jagannath temple as well as other temples of the State are performed following this almanac.
Almost all the Hindu families in the State consult this *Panjika *( panchang ) for finding out suitable dates for marriage, foundation laying ceremony, griha prabesh and other auspious occasions.
Though presently a number of “Pancjikas ” are available in Oriya language , the one produced by the Kohinoor Press is
considered as most authentic. The Panjika is referred by almost all Hindu families, religious institutions , temples etc.
The present owner of Orissa Kohinoor Press which produces the *Panjika * Sk. Joharul Islam, is a master degree holder in literature with degree in law.
With the evolution of printing technology, the Kohinoor Press has also come a long way. From hand composing and letter press printing now it has adopted Desk Top Printing and designing through computers and multi-colour printing
in offset press.
Annually few lakh of copies of the *Panjika* is produced and marketed. Not only the people of Orissa use this Panjika, people from the State living outside the State as well as in foreign countries also use this *Panjika* for reference.
Sk. Joharul Islam, proprietor , Kohinoor Press says, . ” We were engaged in publishing books since 1928. We started producing the Almanac in 1935. This was approved by the *Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha* of Sri Jagannath temple, Puri. Every year the approval comes from them only.
Soon after the Almanac comes out of the press, rituals are performed at Sri Jagannath temple before it is released for sale. Earlier there was only one Alamanac in Orissa which was published by Arunodaya Press. Now our Almanac has become a 72year old publication.
Our Almanac named as ” Orissa Kohinoor Press Panjika ” is most popular among the Oriya Almanacs. … Presently we have 15 employees and Pundits ( Astronomers ) . Every year we are producing this Almanac ( Panjika ).
Though we are Muslims, this Almanac is well accepted by Hindus and even by Sri Jagannath temple of Puri as well as by the Muslims. This is of great help to the people who refer it for performing various rituals etc….
The Pundits ( Astronomers and Astrologers ) use to prepare the scri pt after making necessary calculations. We compose it in computer and print it through offset process.
We are also producing calanders , future forecast booklets ( Rashi Phal ) . Our Pundits prepare the scri pts and get approval of Mukti Mandap Pundit Sabha, the highest Hindu body who fixup and approve norms for different rituals, fairs and festivals of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
After the approval we go ahead with production of the Panjika. My father has started it 72 years ago and I am continuing it without any problem.”…
Odisha.in