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Ganesh Chaturthi strengthens communal
amity in Moradabad
by Kamna
Mathur
Chandausi
(Uttar Pradesh): Far away from the communal divides
and caste and creed factors of Uttar Pradesh, many
Muslim sculptors are demonstrating communal amity
by making Lord Ganesha idols for the upcoming Ganesh
Chaturthi festival. Scores of Muslim artisans in Chandausi
town of Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district are busy
meeting the deadline to supply idols to their Hindu
patrons from far and near. They are focused on sculpting
attractive idols of Lord Ganesha, as these idols are
required on Vinayak Chaturthi festival, which falls
on September 3 (Wednesday) this year. According to
the members of the Muslim community, their involvement
in the success of the Mela gives them a great feeling
that all religions are equal. "The Muslim community
residing in the Raj Mohalla renders its full support
in making of the Ganesha idols. There is no discrimination
among the Hindus and the Muslims. We work together
all day and night for 15 days," said Abdul, an artisan.
Saleem, another artisan, said: "We like to make idols.
We work together in a way, as we are members of one
family. I have been coming here to make tableaux for
past 21 years and I like doing it. This year I am
making an idol of Hanuman." Ganesha is regarded to
be the index of all auspicious beginnings. Hindus,
on the other side, are quite appreciative of Muslim
sculptors' contribution for Ganesh festival and term
it to be a perfect example of communal amity that
has stood fast in the region for centuries. "Ganesh
Chaturthi Mela has been presenting its wonderful tableaux
for a very long time where people from all the religions
participate without any hatred and abhorrence. They
give free service in making the God's idols. They
encourage for all to see a wonderful procession of
the idols," said Lala Ganeshi Ram, Vice President,
Mela Committee, Chandausi.
-Sept 1,
2008
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