Hindu symbols adorn Muslim’s wedding card

In what can be seen as a positive step towards ending growing animosity, a Muslim family from the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh has printed wedding cards with Hindu religious markings.

The card has verses like ‘Shri Ganeshaya Naham’ printed on it, along with an image of a kalash with a swastika made on it.

The invitation has reportedly been sent out by one Nasrullah of Pindari village in Ballia to his relatives and friends for the reception feast of his younger brother, Serazuddin, who is marrying Rizwana. The reception was held on Thursday, a day before the wedding ceremony.

“Is mein galat kya hai? Hum apne Hindu mitron ki suvidha ke liye hi is terah ka card diye hain. Ismein kuchh naya nahi hai. Humlog sub mil-jhul kar shaadi ya tyohar manate hain (What is wrong in it? For the convenience of our Hindu friends, we give such cards to them),” Nasrullah told Times of India over the phone from Ballia.

“We all (Hindus and Muslims) collectively celebrate wedding ceremonies and festivals,” he added.

Talking about the Hindu figurine and verses on the card, Nasrullah said the people in the village only know the language of love and bhai-chara.

“When printed cards were not in fashion in our village, we used to invite people by sending handwritten letters carrying haldi (considered auspicious by Hindus) mark,” he told the English daily.