In Uttar Pradesh, Gulab Yadav and his son walk village streets every Ramadan night to ensure Muslim neighbours don’t miss their pre-dawn meal, upholding traditional love and unity
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – In the small village of Koria in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district, the holy month of Ramadan is not just a time for Muslims to fast and pray; it is a testament to the enduring bond between communities. For five decades, a Hindu family has been quietly ensuring their Muslim neighbours observe Sehri, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins, by waking them up in the wee hours of the morning.
Every night at 1 a.m., 45-year-old Gulab Yadav and his 12-year-old son, Abhishek, step out of their home with a torch and a stick, navigating the village streets to avoid stray dogs. They knock on the doors of every Muslim household, ensuring no one misses the Sehri time. After completing their rounds, they return to double-check, leaving nothing to chance.
“It is our way of showing love and respect,” said Gulab Yadav. “We don’t do this for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.”
This tradition began in 1975 with Gulab’s father, Charkat Yadav, and has continued uninterrupted since then. It has gained even more significance in recent years, as noise pollution restrictions have made it difficult to use loudspeakers to announce the Sehri timings.
Gulab, a daily wage labourer in Delhi, makes it a point to return to his village every Ramadan to continue this sacred duty. He brings his son along, hoping to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. “I want my son to continue this tradition after me, just as I took it up after my father,” he explained.
The Muslim residents of Koria hold Gulab in high regard for his unwavering commitment. Shafiq, a neighbour, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Gulab Bhai ensures that no one misses Sehri. He roams around the village for two hours and then comes back to make sure that everyone has eaten. What could be more sacred than this?”
Gulab’s elder brother once shared this responsibility but had to step back due to vision problems. Now, the task falls entirely on Gulab, who carries it out with humility and dedication. “Now I do this work with peace and love,” he said.
In a world often divided by religious differences, Gulab Yadav’s nightly walks through Koria serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of unity and mutual respect. As Shafiq aptly put it, “This sacrifice, passed down through generations of Yadavs, is a lesson for the world – of love, unity, and service!”
Gulab’s story is not just about a tradition; it’s about the enduring power of humanity to bridge divides and foster harmony. In the quiet hours before dawn, his actions echo a message that resonates far beyond the boundaries of his village.
