Ashhar Alam/New Delhi
While pursuing my graduation at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi five years ago, I visited Rajasthan during college breaks. Even a two-day break would make me grab my backpack and board the first bus to Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Unforgettable experiences
The person behind luring me to Rajasthan was my friend, Arshad Sabri, who lived in Jaipur at the time. The moment he found out I had a holiday, he would not let me rest. “Brother, you must come to Jaipur tomorrow,” he would say with utter affection. And just like that, I found myself in Jaipur the next day.
Together, we travelled across many cities of Rajasthan, exploring its vibrant colors, rich traditions, and warm-hearted people. But what touched me the most were the moments we spent in the temples.
Despite being two Muslim boys, we always felt welcomed inside those sacred spaces. We would sit silently for hours, absorbing the peace around us. Often, the temple priests would approach us, curious but always smiling. They would talk to us with such affection that we felt like family.
Their happiness on seeing us inside the temple reflected a beautiful truth that faith can unite when hearts are open.
AI generated picture of two friend sitting on to top of Galta Dham Temple
One of the most unforgettable moments of my life was our visit to Pushkar, where we entered the famous Brahma Temple (The only Temple dedicated to Brahma in the world). The senior priest greeted us like an old friend. He asked us to sit comfortably and spoke to us with such warmth that we instantly felt at home.
After a meaningful conversation, he offered us prasad with a genuine smile. As we prepared to leave, he said something that remains etched in my heart forever: “This is India. This is our culture. This is our real social life. Beyond religions, we share love, and that is what makes our country beautiful.”
His voice carried emotion, and his words carried truth. Even today, whenever I think of that moment, my heart fills with immense pride for the nation we belong to a nation where love is bigger than labels.
Another memory that shines just as brightly is from Galta Dham, a temple located on a serene hilltop in Jaipur. During many evenings, my friend and I would climb up to the temple, sit at the edge, and watch the sun slowly set over the Pink City. The view was magical Jaipur glittering under the sky and we would say to each other, “My friend, this city is so beautiful.”
After noticing us for several days, the temple priest finally called us over. With a gentle smile he asked, “Do you visit every day? Is this place so beautiful?” We couldn’t help but laugh softly as we replied, “Pujariji, this place is indeed very beautiful, and this temple on its peak makes it even more special.”
AI generated picture of Muslim man and Hindu woman greeting each other
His smile widened. After a pause, he softly asked, “Are you both Muslims?” We nodded without hesitation. What he said next was filled with affection: “I am delighted to see your devotion. You are cultured children. Your hearts reflect the true colors of India.”
We were touched. He then insisted on offering us something to eat. Since we had just eaten lunch, we politely declined but requested a little prasad. He happily brought sweets and blessed us, saying: “May God always keep you happy. Our society should learn from young people like you.”
Those words were more than a blessing, they were an embrace of humanity. We responded with equal admiration, telling him that it is people like him who inspire us with their calmness, kindness, and respect. We told him his behaviour would remain in our memories forever, and that we would surely share this experience with others.
Today, as I reflect on those moments, I feel grateful that destiny gifted me such experiences. In a time when some voices try to divide us, these memories remind me of the essence of India "Unity in diversity". We are a land where temples and mosques stand side by side, where festivals are celebrated by everyone, where love crosses all boundaries.
These stories from Rajasthan are not just personal memories; they are heartfelt examples of what India truly stands for. A country where hearts meet before religions. A country where people embrace each other without asking who you worship. A country where faith becomes a bridge, never a barrier.
Whenever I think of those priests in Pushkar and Galta Dham, I feel inspired to spread the same message, the message of harmony, respect, and brotherhood. If every citizen starts seeing each other as human first, our diversity will always remain our greatest strength.
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