Alfiya Shaikh

On this Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha), Pandharpur, known as the land of saints, in Maharashtra, has sent a heartening message of harmony to the entire world by deferring the ritual qurbani (animal sacrifice) in view of annual festival to the famous temple of Lord Vitthal here on the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, the Hindu festival of penance and fasting.

This year, Bakrid and Ekadashi fell on the same day. According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi, which falls on the 11th lunar day, is an extremely holy period for fasting, chanting God's name, introspection, and purifying the body and mind.

On this day, lakhs of 'Warkaris' (pilgrims who travel on foot) arrive in Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal. Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort Rukmini, this temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Ashadi Ekadashi festival.

Respecting the faith and sentiments of pilgrims, the Muslim community in Pandharpur decided against performing Qurbani on the same day.

The Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur is the primary centre of faith for the Warkari sect. During Ekadashi, Vitthal's Warkaris are immersed in devotion there. This is a big family that walks on the egalitarian principles laid down by saints like Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, and Sant Muktabai.

To ensure that these Warkaris face no inconvenience on the day of Ekadashi, and that no traces of meat or blood are seen anywhere in the city, the local Muslim community has proudly upheld their decades-old tradition of brotherhood.

Speaking to the media about this, Ibrahim Bohari, a resident of Pandharpur, said, "According to the Hindu almanack, there is a holy 'Adhik Maas' (leap month). During this time and on every Ekadashi, lakhs of Vitthal devotees and Warkaris arrive in Pandharpur. Since it is Ekadashi, our entire Muslim community collectively made a decision. No sacrifice will be performed anywhere in the city on the main day. We offered our special Eid prayers, but we will perform the animal sacrifice after a few days."

He further added, "Pandharpur is a city of diverse cultures and religions. We have all been living here together for generations in utmost peace and harmony. We want to sincerely respect the faith of every citizen and Warkari here."

The Warkari sect here has never believed in the politics of caste or religion. Everyone lives here together in perfect harmony.

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Just as a Hindu offers a 'chadar' at the shrine of Sufi saints, the Muslim community also serves the pilgrims to Vitthal's shrine.