Yadgir: The State has been witnessing communal tensions for the last three months. Hindu outfits issued a call to ban Hijab, Halal, Azan and idol carving, even politicians and elected representatives were not behind in fuelling tensions. Many Hindu temple management committees banned other community traders to set up shops on temple premises citing 2002 circular issued by State Muzarai Department. Temples even erected boards informing other community traders are not allowed in annual fairs to set up shops.
Amid all these, villagers in Yadgir District in north Karnataka set an example of communal harmony, which they follow for decades. The villagers did not heed communal tensions which were reported in the media daily.
Villagers in Yaragola, a small village in Yadgir Taluk, have been celebrating Hajarat Jamaluddin Saheb’s annual fair jointly for years. Though it is a Muslim festival, Hindus take leadership in the fair to celebrate it. On Thursday April 7, the festival was celebrated grandiosely by the villagers.
The Gandha (sandal) procession started from Moulvis’s house to Jamaluddin Dargah. The Hindu youths presented traditional Kolata during the procession. Hindus offered chicken and sheep to Dargah, fulfilling their religious vow.
The celebration looks like any Hindu festival in which all communities participate happily.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, a villager Mehaboob Sab said that this tradition of celebrating fairs jointly has a history of more than five decades. Till today, no communal clash has happened in the village.
Another villager Ningareddy said, “Though it is a Muslim festival, we take leadership in celebration like an elder brother. We will continue the same in future also. The Muslims also take an active part in our festival celebrations.” He said the villagers live like brothers and would continue the same.
