Ganesha Chaturthi strengthens communal amity in Moradabad

Chandausi (Uttar Pradesh), Sep.1 : 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. By Kamna Mathur

ANI