Chhattisgarh's Hindu village promoting communal amity

By Dhananjay Tripathi

Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh), Feb.24 : Dumardih Village of Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund District is a model village for promoting communal amity in its own way. Hindus and Muslims here respect each other's religious faith and festivals.

Despite largely being a Hindu dominated village, it hosts the annual Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Sayyed Ali Mir Datar at his mausoleum with deep fervour.

Large number of Hindus and Muslims participate in the annual Urs here irrespective of their religious faith.

The mausoleum's caretaker is a Hindu.

"At the holy entrance of Baba, any bad influence of black magic vanishes. Lot of people belonging to various faiths comes here. Everybody is welcomed," said Gayalal Chandravanshi, the caretaker.

Having a population of 600 people, the Dumardih Village saw a Hindu family laying down the foundation of Hazrat Sayyed Ali Mir Datar's Mazaar (mausoleum) about 15 years ago. Since then the annual Urs fair is held here with great joy.

"The Baba (Hazrat Sayyed Ali Mir Datar) has fulfilled our wishes. Today, we have come here with revived hopes and perform rituals and ceremonies. I wish all Hindus and Muslims live in brotherhood," said Teekam Sahu, a Hindu devotee from Kamraud Village.

"I am coming here for three years. We have noticed Hindu devotees coming here. They are managing the entire function of rituals at the Mazaar well. We Muslims want to support them and will always support them," said Ali Baksh, a Muslim devotee from nearby Khatti Village.

Hindus have also constructed many rooms for visiting devotees' accommodation here.

ANI