Garag (Dharwad District): At a time when tensions erupt at the drop of a hat, the Muslim youth in this tiny village have shown the way to foster communal amity.
Ahmad Attar, Salim Havaldar, Muktam Toragal, and Salim Jakati have taken the lead in organising the Ganesh festival. Thanks to their efforts, Srikant Nagar colony, dominated by Muslims, has been organising the celebrations for the last four years with pomp and gaiety and all communities take part in them.
To make it unique this year, they have installed the eight-foot eco-friendly Ganesh idol made without using chemicals and oils. Most of the people in the area are either daily wage workers or those who do petty jobs for a livelihood. For them, religion never comes in the way of organising Ganesh festival or Ramzan.
This year is no exception with both the festivals being celebrated side by side.
“It may be some thing amazing for others but not for us. When Hindus take part in Ramzan and Moharrum, why cant' Muslims celebrate Ganesh festival?,” asks Ahmad and Salim.
Everyone contributes their mite to the cause.
Ahmad has taken up erection of the pendal and the electrification work. Salim Jakati is supervising the centering work of the stage and Padma Patil, a Jain, is sponsoring puja for one day. “My friend Sachin's father Baburao Ekbate will prepare dishes for the feast on the concluding day,” said Ahmad.
“We are all poor and pray all gods for goodness. It is joyful to celebrate. What do we gain by fighting?,” ask the people of the village.
No comments:
Post a Comment