Mangaluru: As Mangaluru celebrates Ganeshotsav, a 78-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Jappinamogaru-Kadekar is quietly nurturing a tradition of communal harmony by growing paddy and distributing sheaves free of cost to temples, churches and families.
One field, a message of harmony
For more than 15 years, Herbert D’Souza has cultivated paddy on his approximately 80-cent field at his own expense, ensuring that sheaves are available during festivals.
His journey began when he was serving as a gurkar at a church and felt saddened after being unable to obtain enough paddy sheaves for Thenna Habba. The experience inspired him to grow the crop himself.
Today, the paddy from his field reaches more than 40 temples and over 30 churches in and around Mangaluru. Hundreds of people also collect sheaves during festivals.
Herbert accepts no payment for his service.
A labour of love behind every harvest
His work begins in May, when he pumps water from a well into the field and ploughs it before bringing workers from Ranipur for transplantation.
Protecting the crop from birds is another challenge. Herbert has spent around Rs 30,000 installing nets around the field. In another field, he uses ropes and plastic sheets, which he can pull from his house to create noise and keep birds away.
His wife, Frieda, supports him in the effort.
“I cultivate paddy so that sheaves are available during Monti Fest and Ganeshotsav. I do not accept any money from anyone. My wife Frieda provides me with full support in my work. I am satisfied with what I do,” Herbert said.
Ganeshotsav becomes a bridge of friendship
The spirit of harmony is also visible at Sanghanikethan, where the Nationalist Christian Forum has participated in Ganeshotsav celebrations for the past 12 years.
Since 2014, priests, nuns and community leaders have visited Hindu leaders to extend festival greetings, pray for communal harmony, share breakfast and exchange friendly conversations. Hindu leaders reciprocate during Christian festivals.
This year, Mangaluru Bishop has also been invited.
Together, these gestures show how festivals can become more than celebrations — they can create spaces where communities meet, share goodwill and strengthen bonds.