Zeeshan Khan/Varanasi
In an unprecedented display of national unity, an Iftar party was hosted by Municipal Councilor Ajit Singh for Muslims fasting for the month of Ramazan at the historic Royal Alamgir Mosque (Dharhara) on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, the citadel of Hindu religion and one of the most ancient cities of the world.
A large number of fasting Muslims broke their Ramzan fast in this iftar. The highlight of the Iftar party was that all the Hindus of the area praised the fasting people in this mosque which was surrounded by Hindu religious places on all sides.
The spirit of service of the Hindu youth wearing saffron bands on their heads as they served the food was impressive and helped bond the two communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Singh said that the Indian Constitution gives freedom of religion and worship to every citizen. “Ganga-Jamni civilization is a good idea, and it must be reflected in our behaviour,” he said.
The unique confluence of temple bells and mosque azan in this historic and ancient city exemplifies Hindu-Muslim unity. The Councilor said that the Ganga-Jamni culture and civilization which is being adopted all over the world. He said the place is source of syncretism as Panch Ghat is believed to be a confluence of five rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kiarana, and Dhuppa.
The mosque is surrounded by five historical religious sites, mainly the monastery of Baba Telang Swami, the ancient temple of Bandu Madhu, the shrine of Swami Ram Naresh Acharya 'Shrimatha', the disciples of Jagad Guru Ramanandcharya, the ancient temple of Mata Mangalaguri. And Shri Gokarna.
Located on the banks of the Ganga, this historic mosque is part of the inclusive heritage of India. People from different sections of the society and communities broke their fast together and gave the best message of unity.
The Iftar party was attended by many local notables including Maulana Muhammad Ahmed, Sadiq Ali Mutwali, Samad Ansari (former MLA), Babu Lal, Manish Gupta, and Gopal Pandey, Mukesh Singh, Vinod. Jaiswal, Saroj Sharma, Tufail Ansari, Manish Pal, Chandan Tiwari, Aminuddin, Ashish Yadav, Mufuz Hussain, Rajesh Yadav (Babu), Aqib Khan, Dr. Sanjay Sonkar, Rohit Yadav, Mana Dubey, Manish Pal, Rashid Ali, Mana Bhai, Kirtan Chaudhary, Sukhlal, Shambhunath, Raju Yadav and Chandan Tiwari.
.webp "Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Ramakrishna Mission Swami Gautamananda Maharaj")
