Mumbai blasts: Casualty count low by virtue of Jains' fasting month

Opera House, the worst-hit place in Wednesday’s bomb blasts, could have seen more casualties had the explosion occurred a day earlier.

The blast near the diamond trading centre which killed 10 people and injured 73, has thousands of diamond traders and dalals milling around the place every evening time.

But because of Chaumasi Chaudas (the day on which Jains start fasting after the sunset during Chaturmas), a few people were there.

A Jain scholar from the western suburbs said: “A majority of diamond traders is Palanpuri Jains and they observe Chauvihar (fasting after the sunset) during Chaturmas. On the day of the blast, traders and dalals left for the final meal of the day.”

Usually traders, especially dalals, stand on the bylanes of the diamond market and do business. Because of the many food stalls in the areas, it is known as khau galli and traders love to do business while grabbing a bite.

In this busy lane, traders used to park their two-wheelers, making it more vulnerable to terror attacks. “Our religion has saved the lives of many,” said Sachin Shah, a diamond trader.

“Had there been blast on Tuesday, the casualty might have doubled. Many people left the market around 5.30 pm Wednesday to observe Chauvihar,” said Naresh Mehta, secretary, Panchratna Cooperative Society.