The event at Bharatganj sees active Muslim participation alongside Hindu devotees; local leaders praise harmony and urge society to value cooperation
MANDA — A religious procession marking Parshuram Jayanti turned into a strong show of communal harmony in the Manda area of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, where members of the Muslim community warmly welcomed Hindu devotees with garlands and joined the celebrations.
The programme began in Nahwai on Sunday, where devotees gathered to pay respect to Lord Parshuram. The statue was garlanded, and participants took a pledge to follow his ideals before setting out in a procession.
The procession moved from Nahwai towards Bharatganj, passing through Chakdiha and Rajapur. A large number of people joined on bikes and four-wheelers, with music playing throughout the route.
At Bharatganj, the event took a notable turn when members of the Muslim community came forward to receive the procession. They greeted participants with garlands and arranged refreshments for them.
Among those present were Amir Tanki, Sirajuddin Ansari, Chaman, and Javed. Their participation was widely noticed by residents.
A local participant said, “We welcomed the procession to show that we respect each other’s beliefs and want peace in our area.”
At the bus stand crossing, Hindu residents including Shubham Keshari, Shanti Bhushan Dwivedi, and Rahul Sharma welcomed the devotees and offered prayers.
Former councillor Abdul Haq Ansari described the event as significant. He said, “Such programmes strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood. This is the real spirit of our society.”
Hundreds of devotees took part in the procession, including Ravi Pandey, Dinkar Pandey, Rameshwar Tripathi, and Aman Mishra. They raised slogans in praise of Lord Parshuram as the procession moved ahead.
Residents said the entire event was carried out in an organised and peaceful manner, with cooperation from all sides.
Message of Shared Culture
The procession later moved towards Manda Khas, concluding the day’s events. Locals said the welcome by the Muslim community reflected the long-standing culture of mutual respect in the region.
Another resident said, “This is how people here live. We celebrate together and stand by each other.”
The event has been seen as a reminder that everyday acts of respect and cooperation continue to shape relations between communities at the local level.
