Hindus take part in Muharram rally in MP town

Umaria, MP, Jan 30 (UNI) In a unique display of solidarity between Hindus and Muslims, a large number of Hindus joined the Muharram rally here last night, keeping alive a tradition dating back to 1882.

The rally reportedly included 25,000 Hindus as a part of a tradition started by Baba Madhav Singh in 1882.

''Hindus in large numbers had traditionally been participating in the rally. On the night of Shahadat, thousands of Baba's devotees took part in the rally wearing a green scarf on head and 'sehali' around the neck and chanting slogans. It was difficult to differentiate between Hindus and Muslims,'' Imambada's Mujabar Syed Ali Khan said.

He said the responsibility to look after the arrangement of the Muharram rally was on Hindus.

Mateshwar Durga Puja Seva Samiti's Ganesh Sachdev said all the members of the Samiti contributed towards preparation of 'langar'.

He recalled that Muharram and Dussehra had fallen on same dates in 1983. Both communities had celebrated the festivals together. On the one hand, Divine Mother's procession was being carried out, on the other immersion of Tazia took place.

Besides people from Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi and Mumbai and Indians living in Dubai and Canada came to take part in the Muharram rally.

Dubai-based Mohammed Afzal said he was visiting the place for the first time. Participation of Hindus in the Muharram rally had left him astounded.

On the other, Canada-based Suresh Sharma, who is visiting the place for the third time, considered himself lucky.

UNI