Unique Hindu Muslim Muharram Formula

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

If you want to co-exist, you can. The Hindus and Muslims of Pune has been given this message with considerable success for the past three years. The twin communities decided to keep Tazia of Imam Hussain and Idol of Lord Ganesha under the same Pandal ((marquee) when Muharram and ‘Ganeshotsava’ fell simultaneously in 2017.

The initiative came from the Madhla Bazaar Mitra Mandal and Pailwan Taziya Khadki. Both outfits are quite popular in Khadki region and trace existence to almost a century. Realizing that both Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram will fall at the same time for three years, both the groups decided upon holding it together. After much brainstorming for about two months, arrangements were made to realize what seemed improbable in view of the advent of caste and religion violence in India in the recent past.

The Muslims on their own decided to offer vegetarian food items in their Taziya, as a mark of respect for Hindu sentiments. In fact, they offered sweets and only vegetarian delicacies during the ritual of Niyaz and Fatiha. However, even if some devotees bring non-vegetarian offerings, Hindus ensured that no one objects to exceptions.

In the year 1984, 1985 and 1986 too, both the events fell around the same time. Present organizers feel that a similar kind of arrangement was made but have no idea exactly how the arrangements were worked out. The Khadki area is also called the cultural hub of Pune. Every year both Ganesh festival and Muharram are organized peacefully. 

In 2019,the formula worked out successfully for third consecutive year, indicating that there is no dearth of people  who want tolerant India and firmly believe in co-existence despite emergence of separatist forces.

Source : Logical Indian /Photo Courtesy Google Images