RAJKOT: For over three and a half centuries, locals of this remote village of Kutch, as part of annual ritual, walk along the periphery of the village leaving a trail of a white thread, milk and flags. At Hajapar-Harudi near Bhuj in Kutch district these symbols mark the binding of Hindus and Muslims, who live as one community.
Ayar Maheshbhai, a village elder, says, "This tradition is known as Dharavahi. It has been going on in our village since last 350 years, and now, we are passing on the tradition to our children. We make it a point that every child of the village attends this procession." The ritual takes place on the auspicious day of Ashadi Bij, when Kutch celebrates its new year, and the rest of the country celebrates rath yatra.
Amid the beating of the drums, sounds of shehnai and other music, Muslim youths carrying a green flag lead the procession followed by the Hindus who carry the ball of white thread. Milk is poured along the way as just as at a a temple. "
Apart from communal harmony, this ritual also helps our village fight all diseases and evil of any kind," says another old-timer Dhanjibhai. Some others believe the ritual invites the rain gods to bless them.
While the beginning of the ritual is symbolic, the end is marked by all community members breaking bread together at dinner. While roti is made by Hindu households, jaggery is collected from Muslim houses. "It's not an elaborate meal, but it symbolises sweetness and unity," says a villager.
There are two dargahs of Piranpeer Dastagir and Ashabapeer and a Hindu temple of Lord Krishna. All the religious places are visited by most of the villagers without any hesitation. Most significantly, when one talks to villagers here, no one can distinguish between a Hindu and a Muslim.
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