Amid the growing perception of rising communal tiff in the country, a 75-year-old tradition of joint 'urs' of two Muslim 'pirs' with a Lord Hanuman idol overseeing the last two days of function from his perch near the dargah here, has reinforced the intrinsic, inter-faith, Hindu-Muslim bonds.
The five-day 'urs' (the death anniversary function) of Muslim 'pirs,' Syed Pahalwan Karamshah and Judian Baba, equally revered by the two communities, was kicked off here on June 19 with holding of a joint cultural function at the dargah on the first day, both by the Hindus and the Muslims.
Known as "salana urs evam jawabi kirtan tournament" and held by the 'Hindu-Muslim Bhaichara samiti,' the first day's prayer of the function was followed by a popular two-day qawwali contest, coinciding with the 'urs' (death anniversaries) of Syed Pahalwan Karamshah and Judian Baba respectively on June 20 and 21, 'samiti' chairmain Rustam Bhai told PTI.
The last two days of function saw holding of 'jawabi kirtan tournament,' comprising of joint singing of Hindu bhajans at the dargah, said Rustam Bhai.
"The event has been going on at least for the last 75 years, and has been an example of Hindu-Muslim amity, which seems to be fast disappearing from our social fabric. The five-day event started on June 19, and jawabi qawwalis were held on June 20 and June 21," he said.
"This time qawwali troupes from Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur came to participate in the event. Subsequently jawabi kirtans were held on June 22 and June 23 in which troupes from Allahabad, Hathras and Madhya Pradesh participated," he added.
"This is an unique event, where the Hindus and Muslims participate together and reinforce the deep bond amongst themselves. Through this event, we would pray to the Almighty that peace may prevail across the country and people of different religions live amicably," he explained.
Samiti member Raj Kumar said, "At a time when communal animosity seems to be raising its ugly head (in the state), this may provide some solace to us, as members of both the communities (Hindus and Muslims) join hands and virtually immerse themselves in divine music emanating from the programme venue."
He added, "An idol of Lord Hanuman is also installed barely a few metres from the dargah (within the programme venue), and people from different walks of life come and offer prayers at the idol of Lord Hanuman. In fact, before the jawabi keertan commences, prayers are offered to Lord Hanuman and his blessings sought."
The idol of Lord Hanuman stays at the programme venue for last two days, and flowers, fruits and other items are offered to Him, Raj Kumar said.
When asked to recall the situation in the vicinity of the dargah on December 6, 1992, when reports of demolition of Babri Masjid came in, Raj Kumar said, "Even at the height of Ram temple movement, communal amity among the local Hindus and Muslims remained intact."
"We want to send a message of peace, goodwill, religious bonhomie and communal amity through this event to the society," Raj Kumar said.
He also drew attention towards Hanuman Chaalisaa being played, hours before the grand finale, as organisers geared up to give final touches to the event on the last day of the event.
Deputy patron Sunil Tantua who was also present at the programme venue said that the event will go a long way in helping to strengthen the social fabric and bond among Hindus and Muslims.
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