A marriage cutting across religious barriers

Dakor, Gujarat, Jan 9 (UNI) Cutting across the religious divide, the marriage of a Muslim girl with all expenses of borne by a Hindu priest, took place here with all the rites and celebrations.

The marriage of Niyazbanu with Sheikh Mohammad Sherif of Ahmedabad was held on Sunday in the presence of her father Bismillah Pathan and his close friend Janak Mahant, who heads the Ramji temple in the town.

Mahant, who does not have any girl children, considers Niyazbanu as his adopted daughter. He had pledged long ago that he would celebrate Niyazbanu's marriage and bear all the expenses.

He was seen enthusiastically welcoming the guests at Rana Samaj ni Vadi, the venue for the marriage, with 'Padharo' and 'Salaam Aalekum.' Niyazbanu was at the Ram temple premises till the arrival of the 'barat'. The invitation card had the traditional Muslim and Hindu invocations and ceremonial wordings for the occasion. Lord Ganesha was embossed on it.

Mahant and Bismillah grew up in the same neighbourhood and studied together. Mahant's childhood friend's daughter became his daughter as she visited his house and spent most of her time there since her childhood days.

Bismillah's family had been making 'prasad' for the Ramji temple for many years. Even when post-Godhra violence shook Dakor, Niyazbanu and her family continued to stay on in their own house while several other members of the community shifted to safer places.

Mahant's wife Padmaben was fully supportive of her husband's action.

UNI