Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Ranchi
,the Capital of Jharkhand state where “The 1967 communal riots’ had ripped
through the long standing bond between Hindus and Muslims , is an example as to
how message of Karbala can heals wounds of humanity in any part of the world.
The
leaders of two communities after living for several decades decided to use
Muharram rituals as what they describe ‘Healing Power” of Imam Hussain and
began taking lead role in the processions. Muslims too responded to goodwill gesture
by extending helping hand in arrangements for Durga Puja and Dussehra fesdtivities.
The Hindu outfits now set up stalls and
camps at various places of the capital to provide water, sherbet and
grams to their Muslim brothers taking part in the main Muharram procession.
Other organizations including the local Puja committees tie turbans and felicitate akhara members
displaying their art in the procession.
Many
organizations like the Mahavir Mandal, Durga Puja Samitis, Sadbhavna Samiti,
Ravidas Mahasabha and Chaiti Durga Puja Samitis have taken pledged to support to the Muslims and organize different programs to mark the occasion
ever since the leaders of both communities decided by the turn of 20th
century to heal the wounds inflicted by unfortunate riots in the recent past.
Jay
Kumar Yadav, an official of the Mahavir Mandal said “After the riots of 1967,
the situation in the city was very tense. Members of both communities did not
visit each other’s localities for the fear of being attacked. So the seniors of
both the communities held meetings to defuse the tension. From then on, Hindus
have actively taken part in Muharram. This year, our involvement has increased
further,? He said, adding some members of
his outfit even take part in the mock
sword battle in the procession..
Rajkumar
Gupta, president of the Chaiti Durga Puja Samiti maintained that the participation of members
of other communities sends out a very good message. ? We are all brothers and
there should not be any sort of discrimination against each other. Our members
will take part in the mock sword-fight in the procession and perform the duties
along with our Muslim brothers.
Members
of the Muslim community are full of appreciation for their Hindu brothers and
pointed out that this amity was the result of a mutual process. Mohammad Ikram
Pappu, Joint secretary of the Central Muharram committee, said “we take part
with equal gusto in Ramnavami celebrations. We felicitate the members of the
different Hindu organizations for their wholehearted support to us in peaceful
observation of Muharram as well as the various social work we undertake,”.
Source :The Daily Telegraph/TUHIN
DUTTA/Photo Courtesy Google Images/The Telegraph
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