In a world marred by communal tension, Hindus and Muslims in Karnataka's Hubballi have received widespread praise for setting a perfect example of social harmony and leading the way for others.
Published Sep 18, 2024 | 7:06 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 18, 2024 | 7:06 PM
Hindus and Muslims in Hubballi set an example of communal harmony
“We are all Indians. Hindus and Muslims are one. The reason to play a song on the Hindu God Ganesha is to convey that we (Muslims) are also with them,” Zaheer Abbas Hakim, member of the Hazrat Sayeed Gaibu Shah Wali Dargah in Karnataka’s Hubballi told South First.
This statement, highlighting the social harmony that transcends religions, comes as a ray of hope amid instances of communal tension being reported in pockets of Karnataka. Recently, a video of people celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid Milad in Hubballi went viral. Why?
During the immersion of the idol of Ganesha after the festival on Sunday, 15 September, Hindu youth paid their respects to Islam’s founder Prophet Muhammad by playing Qawwali songs. As soon as the procession reached Hazrat Sayyed Gaibu Shah Wali Dargah at Shah Bazar in Mangalwar Peth at Hubballi, the members of Sri Gajanana Yuvaka Mandal played Qawwali songs until they crossed the dargah.
Likewise, on the next day, while Muslims were celebrating Eid Milad – which commemorates the birth anniversary of their religion’s founder – youngsters from the religion played a song on Lord Ganesha in front of a Ganesh pandal, offering their respect to the Hindu God.
These acts have gone viral for being a perfect example of peaceful coexistence and harmony, embodying the spirit of the country and the Constitution of India. The gesture has received widespread praise for reinstating hope in humanity in a world that has recently been divided by religious and cultural differences.
It is even more noteworthy because the incident happened in Karnataka, a state that was marred marred by instances of communal discord during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Speaking to South First, Ghantikeri Police Station Inspector BA Jadhav said, “I am jubilant over these healthy developments between two religions. It should continue in the same way to build a peaceful and healthy society. We had given instructions to leaders from both religions to cooperate with one another and make it a peaceful and grand success during the peace meeting.”
Stressing on the cautions they were given, the cop added, “We had also asked them to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the celebrations. This is a healthy development in the city.”
Meanwhile, members of the Sri Gajanan Yuvak Mandal and Hazrat Sayeed Gaibu Shah Wali Dargah have called for unity and harmony, urging everyone to distance themselves from communal tension and animosity.
One of the Hindu festival organisers, Jagadeesh Bullanavar, shared with South First the reasons behind the gesture: “In several places, the Ganesh festival is becoming a symbol of harmony between communities. Ganesh Chaturthi is no longer confined to being a festival only for Hindus. In many rural areas and towns, people from different religions and communities are also organising Ganesh Chaturthi. We did not participate with any ill intentions or for publicity.”
Expressing surprise at being applauded for it and praising Muslims, Jagadeesh continued, “The main intention of playing Qawwali songs was to send a message of harmony and brotherhood among religions, to reiterate that we are one. On the very next day, Muslims showered the same love and affection on us by playing devotional songs related to Lord Ganesha. With this, they have set a trend in the country.”
Condemning instances of communal violences that take place during religious festivals, Jagadeesh shared, “Disrupting communal harmony is completely wrong, regardless of the religions and communities involved. There are always a few bad individuals in society. Even after such heartwarming developments, a few people made negative comments on social media platforms. We must shower love on others to build a healthy society.”
Though the viral video is looked at with surprise with people, it isn’t really surprising for people in Hubballi. Because, for the past six years, Muslims have been offering water and fruits to Hindus during the procession to immerse Ganesh idol.
Dargah committee member Zaheer Abbas Hakim told South First: “A few people may harbor ill thoughts about either Hindus or Muslims. However, during Ganesh Chaturthi, we make sure to provide water and fruits to them (Hindus) during the final procession. This practice has been followed for the last six years at the dargah in Shaha Bazar. The festival organisers have always appreciated our service during Chaturthi. They showed their respect towards our religion by playing Qawwali songs. Their message was clear: ‘We are also with you (Muslims).’ They respected us.”
Zaheed added, “There are millions of Hindus and Muslims in India. Among them, there are a few ill-minded individuals in both communities. It is not fair to blame or target an entire religion because of a select few who are ill-intentioned. Hindus and Muslims live as brothers in Hubballi. About 90 percent of my friends are Hindus. We live together, and there are no differences among us.
Urging everyone to live in harmony with one another, Zaheer said, We have the best police in Hubballi. They always encourage us to mutually support one another and take up such activities for the welfare of the society. In the peace meeting, we ensured full cooperation and support to the police.”
(Edited by Neena)
