July 12, 2013: Following the recent terror attack at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, tension had been rife in Ahmedabad’s air of its repercussions being heard at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in the city. However, the 136th edition of the procession went by with nary a hitch on Wednesday, thanks in great part to the communal harmony on display at every nook and corner of the route. 

With a large number of Muslims actively participating, the celebration no longer seems confined to followers of the Hindu religion. Muslims, from various corners showed their solidarity in various capacities during the course of the yatra.

Islamic leaders visit temple for first time
Every year, the Rath Yatra attracts sadhus and saints from various parts of the country to the city. However, it was for the first time that five Islamic dharmgurus visited the temple this year. While the tazia committee members visit every year, the community’s religious leaders going to the temple was something unheard of, till last week. 

The five dharmagurus said that they received a warm welcome from temple authorities. Elaborating, Quadri said, “Religion played no role when we were there, we had gone there to show our compassion.” 

The visit was jointly organised by Kalim Khan and Rakhial police under the state government’s Suraksha Setu programme. 

More fervour at the community shamianas 
Thirty seven shamianas – large, shaded tents – were set up by the Muslim community at various spots along the route of the Rath Yatra. This number was higher than the 34 that had been erected during last year’s procession. They had been set up in areas where the minority community has denser population. 
These shamianas were the best spots to witness the strengthening of communal ties, with frequent sloganeering in praise of Lord Jagannath as well as those calling for a peaceful and strong bond between the Hindu and Muslim communities. 

Two communities exchange greetings, gifts
Each year, since 28 years, JV Momin has been presenting the mahant of the temple with a gift during the yatra. This year too, he presented a large painting of Lord Jagannath to temple head priest Dilipdasji Maharaj, to welcome the procession in Jamalpur area. 

Momin began the exercise after the communal clashes in 1985. In 1986, he had setup the tazia committee, and gifted a 3x2 foot replica of Sidi Saiyed ni Jaali made of silver to the-then mahant, Ramhardasji Maharaj. Through it, Muslims in Jamalpur welcomed the yatra’s passage through their area. 

Momin’s gesture has not been lost on the temple authorities. “The temple’s committee has been sponsoring prizes for our tazia procession for many years now,” he gleefully said.

Muslim akharas
When the procession reached Shahpur area on Wednesday, devotees were ready to welcome it with music bands and flowers. But it was a performance by Muslim akharas that was the sweetest surprise. This was the first time (since 1985) that Muslims were actively participating in the yatra. 

Shahpur MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh had encouraged his community members to perform there, sources said. He was unavailable for comment on the same.

Source: DNA India, DT. July 12, 2013.