Surat demonstrate unusual communal harmony

Surat :  In a rare display of religious cooperation, the Hindu and Muslim communities in Surat have resolved to celebrate two important festivals, Ganesha immersion (‘Ganesh Visharjan’) and Eid Milad-un-Nabi, on alternating days. Both of these fortunate occurrences come on the same day this year, September 28.

Ganesh Visharjan, the traditional immersion of Lord Ganesha idols, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi, an annual celebration marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, were set to coincide on September 28. However, religious leaders from both communities convened at a meeting of the Surat City Peace Committee, led by Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar, and reached a unanimous decision to observe the festivities on different days.

As per this consensus, the Ganesh Visharjan procession will be held on September 28, while the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession will be conducted on September 29.

The celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi involves grand processions in various cities across India to honor the birth of the great Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). In Surat, this tradition is upheld by the Surat City Sirtunnabi Committee, Zampa Bazar, Limbayat Committees, and others.

This year, due to the unique circumstances of the festivals coinciding, the Muslim community, along with their Hindu counterparts, has chosen to celebrate Ganesha’s festival in an atmosphere of peace, brotherhood, and joy.

Kadir Pirzada, former mayor of Surat and chief of Ekalabara-Padra, likened the Muslim clerics in Maharashtra to the elder brothers of their society. The decision to hold the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession on Friday was made so that people could enthusiastically celebrate the Ganesha festival. Similarly, the Muslim community of Surat has agreed to conduct the Eid Milad procession on Friday, honoring the spirit of communal harmony.

This gesture reflects a long-standing tradition of celebrating both festivals in a harmonious atmosphere. Organizers of Eid Milad have chosen this arrangement to facilitate police arrangements and maintain law and order effectively.

The meeting saw the participation of notable figures such as former City Mayor Kadir Pirzada, Mahamandleshwarji, Parsi community leader Yazdi Karanjia, All Joint Commissioners of Police, Ganesh Festival Committee Chairman Anil Biskitwala, Surat City Sirtunnanbi Committee Chairman Syed Siraj, Surat City Eid-e-Milad Committee Chairman Abbas Sheikh, Tajiya Committee Chairman Asad Kalyani, along with all deputy commissioners of police, ACPs, and inspectors from various police stations.

All organizers of the Ganesha festival and Shanti Committee members were provided with the necessary guidance to ensure the maintenance of law and order during the Visharjan Yatra and Eid-e-Milad procession.