The Seva Sangh Ganeshotsav Mandal in Colaba set a novel example two days ago by allowing Muslims to perform prayers in the Ganpati pandal on Bakri Eid.
The Seva Sangh Ganeshotsav Mandal in Colaba set a novel example two days ago by allowing Muslims to perform prayers in the Ganpati pandal on Bakri Eid.
Initially, people were praying outside the Madrassa Rahamatiya Talimul Quran mosque, which is next to the Ganpati pandal. On the day of Bakri Eid, the prayers began at 7 am. However, due to shortage of space, the pandal premises were then used as a prayer hall.
The Mandal claims that around 1300 Muslims offered prayers inside the Ganpati pandal on Eid day. However, Seva Sangh member Santosh Nayak said that this practice was not new. "During Ramzan four years ago, which coincided with the Ganesh festival, we had allowed Eid prayers inside the pandal. It may be that some people find this surprising, but it is entirely normal for us. Hindus and Muslims have always lived in unity here. There is no discrimination. Hindus too participate in Muslim festivities", he said.
True to his word, this Bakri Eid, a Qawwali programme was organised in which Hindus participated. Later, Muslims performed aarti.
Mehfooz Khan, 25, is the treasurer of the committee organising Ganesh festival each year. The committee consists of 70 members, 30 of whom are Muslims. "Since August, I have been working to collect funds for the Ganesh festival. Most people here are very cooperative, only a few attempt tp spread hatred."
One Ilyas Khan, who is part of the Seva Sangh, clicked the picture of Muslims praying in the Ganpati pandal. The picture has gone viral on Facebook.
The Seva Sangh members say that they do not want any political party to derive meanings from these events and use the picture for creating controversy. Instead, they wish to spread a strong message of Hindu-Muslim unity.
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 "Muslims offer Eid prayers in Ganpati pandal in Colaba")
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