15, Nov 2024 | CJP Team

Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, known for his legacy of harmony, believed in serving every visitor, reflecting his inclusive philosophy. He famously said, “Every visitor should be served something; if there is nothing to offer, a cup of water may be offered,” promoting kindness and universal hospitality. This spirit endures at his Dargah, where people of all religions gather to celebrate festivals like Basant Panchami and Diwali.

The Dargah became a symbol of unity during Diwali, with the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) organizing a prayer ceremony to foster interfaith brotherhood. Similar examples of Hindu-Muslim unity are seen at the Diwali fair in Syana, Bulandshahr, and in Bareilly, where communities come together to celebrate festivals. These acts of shared joy, such as lighting diyas and distributing festive items to the needy, shines India’s enduring tradition of unity and peace across cultural and religious divides.

Amidst the systematic hate leading to growing anger and despair, it is important to showcase a lived reality of camaraderie, equality and sharing which is the bedrock of the Indian Constitution and secularism. That way we not only hold on to every thread of hope, but effectively project these narratives, lest we lose our will to fight the good fight. As part of our #EverydayHarmony series, CJP brings you instances where Indians share and care, every single day… our food, our businesses, our homes and our friendships. This instances show how we Indians continue to reject hateful and divisive agendas even while street violence and social media are used as part of a sinister, hate-filled political agenda to tell us otherwise. Let’s reinforce India’s everyday lived reality, and through that collectively and aggressively, uphold and defend a unique pluralism, a diverse culture and truly secular values. Donate now to help us combat hate and prejudice!

Dhanteras celebration at Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, Delhi

The Dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi became a symbol of unity on Dhanteras, a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and the founder of Ayurveda. This day also marks the beginning of Diwali, the festival of lights. On this occasion, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) organized a special prayer ceremony at the shrine, with the aim of fostering brotherhood and harmony among various communities.

Image: Hindus and Muslims lighting diyas and candle at the dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin

The gathering was a beautiful representation of India’s diverse religious and cultural fabric, with people from different faiths coming together in the spirit of shared celebration.

Image: Indresh Kumar and others offering prayers at the grave of Hazrat Nizamuddin

The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer, highlighting the need for harmony, environmental consciousness, and the protection of communal assets. Through this event, the spirit of cooperation and goodwill resonated, reinforcing India’s strength in its unity amidst diversity.

Diwali fair, Syana, Bulandshahr

The Diwali fair in Syana, Bulandshahr, organized by the Muslim community, has become a shining example of Hindu-Muslim unity. Held annually at the Hapur bus stand, this event brings together people of all ages, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect. During its inauguration, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra highlighted the fair’s significance as a vital part of the town’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the unity it represents between the two communities. Despite the rising tide of divisiveness in the country, this fair continues to stand as a beacon of harmony, bridging religious and cultural divides.

As per ETV report, the fair has earned praise for its role in promoting communal peace, with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kunwar Bahadur Singh lauding the organizers for their commitment to unity. In addition to Syana, similar acts of interfaith cooperation are seen in other parts of India. In Dhebadhih village, Jharkhand, Muslims help organize the Hindu festival of Kali Puja, working side by side with the local Hindu community. Similarly, in Varanasi, Muslim women from the Muslim Women Foundation and Vishal Bharat Sansthan participate in Diwali celebrations by creating Rangolis, decorating Lord Ram’s idol, and singing prayers for peace—continuing the tradition of Ram Aarti since 2006.

These examples of shared celebrations and collective efforts underline the enduring strength of India’s cultural and religious unity, transcending differences to promote peace and solidarity.

Hindu-Muslim Unity in Diwali, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh)

Bareilly has long been a city where cultures blend seamlessly. Despite occasional tensions, the spirit of unity has always prevailed, with people from diverse communities coming together to celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid, and Moharram, transcending caste and religion.

On September 30, during Choti Diwali, yet another beautiful expression of this harmony was witnessed. In Subhash Nagar, the threshold and rooftop of an abandoned house once owned by the Bassi family were illuminated with diyas and candles. The effort was spearheaded by Rashmi Khan and Samyun Khan, with the support of Nitin Sharma, Naresh Rajput, Akbar, Naseem Ahmed, Himanshi Sharma, Naseer Ahmed, and others.

The house had once been home to Anil Bassi’s family, but after his passing, his wife, Poonam Bassi, moved away due to her children’s jobs. Since then, the house had remained vacant. Every year, Samyun Khan’s team adorns the exterior of the house with lights, spreading festive cheer.

On Choti Diwali, they lit a diya at the door, and they planned to return on Diwali to continue the celebrations.

Spreading Joy to the Needy

Samyun Khan, president of the Ek Aas organization, along with her team, distributed diyas, decorative lights, and other festival essentials to those in need. These were families who could not afford to decorate their homes due to financial constraints. In addition to sweets, the team provided Rangoli materials, fireworks, flower garlands, and other festive items. On Dhanteras, the Janseva team distributed 3,500 diyas at Novelty Chowk, spreading light and goodwill to all corners of the city.

Despite the weaponisation of religious slogans and efforts to sow discord, India’s enduring tradition of interfaith harmony remains unshaken. Events like those at Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s Dargah, where people from diverse faiths gather to celebrate festivals like Diwali, stand as powerful symbols of unity. Hazrat Nizamuddin’s philosophy of serving every visitor, irrespective of their background, continues to inspire kindness and inclusivity. Similarly, the Diwali fair in Syana, Bulandshahr, and interfaith cooperation in places like Bareilly, Jharkhand, and Varanasi, exemplify the rejection of hate.

These events serve as a vital reminder to anti-social elements with divisive intentions that the spirit of unity, love, and religious tolerance will always prevail, with people standing together, embracing diversity and promoting peace over hate.

Related:

Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrating unity beyond religious boundaries

Crafting Unity: Muslim artisan’s dedication to Hindu deity sculptures

The other side of Kanwar Yatra: Hindu-Muslim Unity