Hindu, Muslim, Bohra, Sikh and Christian leaders take part in Morari Bapu’s 711th katha.
The Ramayan katha by Morari Bapu started with a historic show of communal harmony in Rajkot. Before the start of the katha, the pothiyatra took place where the holy book was brought to the seat. Hindus, Muslims, Bohras, Sikhs and Christian leaders took part in this ceremony.
The Bohra community played music and Muslims recited ‘Kalama’ from the Quran. Community leaders performed aarti of the Ramayan at the end of the session.
“The katha is of the people, for the people and by the people. I intend to reduce all differences between castes and religions. A saint will not ask for the caste of a person who is visiting his hut. The katha is based on facts, it enlightens the soul,” Morari Bapu said at the beginning of the katha.
A total of 130 volunteers from the Muslim community and 40 from Bohra community will remain present on all days of the katha to serve meals and provide assistance.
“This is a special occasion for Rajkot. The katha is not hosted by any one individual or an organisation. Leaders from 18 different castes are organising the event. Apart from reading out the katha of Lord Ram, the event will also focus on lives of leading personalities like Lord Buddha and Babasaheb Ambedkar. On all days there will be a separate dialogue on various religions by leading experts. Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Jains are going to be part of these meetings,” says Jayanti Chandra, head of the organising committee for the event.
Earlier, a puja for Vyaspeeth was performed by 111 couples belonging to Meghaval Samaj. Morari Bapu paid his tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 121st birth anniversary.
The katha, 711th by him, is going to end on April 22 and will be held every day from 9:15 am to 1 pm. Cultural programmes have been planned between 6 pm and 8 pm.
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