It Is When – Muslims Celebrate Eid Inside a Ganpati Pandal

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Tanaya Singh


Mumbai witnessed a commendable scene during the celebration of Bakra-Eid a few days back. In a country that celebrates some very diverse festivals of different religions, all on the same day, there is one place in the city which brought them together in an admirable manner.

In a step taken by the Seva Sangh Ganeshotsav Mandal in Colaba this Friday, many Muslim devotees were seen performing their prayers inside a Ganpati pandal.



Initially, people were praying outside the Madrassa Rahamatiya Talimul Quran mosque, which is located right next to the Ganpati pandal. The prayers began at 7 am, but due to lack of space inside the mosque, many people could not get place. When members of the Seva Sangh Ganeshotsav Mandal saw this, they invited them to the pandal so they could pray in peace.

This committee, which organizes Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations every year, has always been very unique and inspiring for people in the region.

“During Ramzan four years ago, which coincided with the Ganesh festival, we had allowed Eid prayers inside the pandal. It may be that some people find this surprising, but it is entirely normal for us. Hindus and Muslims have always lived in unity here. There is no discrimination. Hindus too participate in Muslim festivities”, Seva Sangh member Santosh Nayak told DNA.

The treasurer of the committee, which has 70 members, is a 25-year-old Muslim man named Mehfooz Khan. And 30 other members in the committee are also Muslims. According to the members, around 1,300 people performed their prayers inside the pandal, and with steps like these, they want to spread a strong message of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Kudos to their spirit of unity in diversity!