Hindus Observe Muharram in Silvassa

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Silvassa,  a town like village in the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli in south Gujarat, has been observing Muharram for centuries with the active participation of Hindus. The village hit the headlines when an onlooker captured a scene processions were crossing each other on opposite sides of the road and posted on social media. The picture exhibited youths from both the communities known to each other were seen shaking hands. The photo had gone viral across the country. In Silvassa ,there exists  a good bonding between Hindus and Muslims and they  participate in each other’s  religious festivals without inhibitions. Till now, not a single incident of riots between both the communities has taken place in the village. If any conflict arises or quarrel takes place between both the communities, elders from both sides sit together and sort it out and ensure that it does not assume communal color.

With the sighting of Muharram moon, local residents take out processions in memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain every year. Irrespective of caste, creed and religion,  all the residents of the village participate. Before partition, most of the Muslim residents in the village were Imamis but when they migrated ,Hindus took upon the responsibility of observing Muharram on their own.They  themselves made ‘Tazia’ during Muharram, and took out the procession.The procession during Muharram ends at the tomb of Hazrat Ismail,a prominent Sufi of the area. The tomb is considered as protector of the village .

Local authorities feel that Silvassa as a great example of communal harmony at a time when there is a lot of distrust between the two communities. During Muharram, no special arrangements are made to maintain law and order in view of the harmonious record of the village..