Hindus hosting 'iftar' for fasting Muslims, wishing them on Ramzan and vice versa: Communal Harmony Project-18

Secularism is practiced on street in India

So many banners with messages of communal harmony are seen on the streets in India. We take them for granted and often don't pay attention to the hoardings on road sides.

Till a few weeks ago, I was spotting Muslims welcoming the 'Kanwad' yatras. 

There were banners congratulating Hindus on Janmashtami. Now, I see Hindus putting up banners, wishing Muslims Happy Ramzan and even Id.

Often due to hurry to reach office or home, one fails to take a snap.

Besides, if there is traffic on the road, its tough for a person who doesn't look like a professional photographer.

The reason I consider these gestures important, is because it shows close bonds between Hindus and Muslims on the ground.

These people are not politicians who organise Devi Jagran or Roza-Iftaar parties with a purpose. They don't do it for getting votes. For them its goodwill, harmony and a feeling of brotherhood for their neighbour with whom they have relations over decades and even for generations. Either its 'iftaar' or Muslims welcoming 'Kanwariyas', it all symbolises our strong cohesiveness.

This is important, as on internet, particularly, Twitter and Facebook, you find a different world. Communal trolls, opinionated guys who talk of secularism as they get it from books or those patronising the ordinary Hindus & Muslims about harmony.

'Ramzan ki tah-e-dil se mubarakbaad'

Just have a look at the banner here. It is from Durga Utsav Samiti, a committee that organises the religious and cultural programmes during Durgotsava celebration.

But, they express solidarity with Muslim brethren. They put up 786 & crescent [moon] on their banner. Is it a small thing? NO.

In fact, the team that goes for collection includes Muslims also. And all Muslim households give 'chanda' generously. This happens in mixed localities where holding a function or festival of one community is considered important for all, and its a matter of prestige of mohalla.

Ghettoisation kills this beautiful aspect of Indian culture. In every city, we still have, fortunately, innumerable mixed colonies. It is these people who know and practice secularism on the street. For them religious differences and diversity are something to cheer and celebrate.

For posts on similar topic on this blog. Click HERE & HERE

[Harmony exists all around us but is often ignored. Instead, stories of hate, discord and communalism get spread easily.

There are a million examples in our daily lives across India but they don't get promoted, hence, news of hate and discord gets heard more. Let's change it, now. This is a small attempt to change it through Communal Harmony Project]

For reading similar reports on this blog, Click the link HERE and also find out more about Communal Harmony Project

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