The Muslim community in Varanasi has made it clear that they value religious harmony over divisive orders.
Team Clarion
VARANASI – The first day of the annual Kanwar Yatra on Monday witnessed a heartwarming display of interfaith harmony in Varanasi, where Muslims welcomed Shiva devotees with flower petals. Members of the Muslim community lined up near the Vishwanath Temple, showering flowers and offering bottles of water to the devotees. They emphasised that Kashi is a place where people of all religions live together in harmony and mutual respect.
Amidst the controversy surrounding the Uttar Pradesh government’s diktat to install nameplates outside shops on the Kanwar Yatra route, Varanasi showcased a beautiful gesture of brotherhood. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive on nameplates at eateries faced strong objections from social organisations and the opposition.
The Supreme Court put an interim stay on the directive on Monday after several petitions were filed challenging the government’s decision.
The Muslim community in Varanasi made it clear that they value religious harmony over divisive orders. They wholeheartedly welcomed Shiva devotees, underscoring that the people of Kashi respect all religions and live together in peace.
In stark contrast to the peaceful scenes in Varanasi, Muzaffarnagar experienced chaos during the Kanwar Yatra. Kanwariyas vandalised a car and a dhaba, creating a significant ruckus. The violence erupted after a car allegedly disrupted the Kanwar Yatra, leading to the beating of the car driver and damage to the vehicle. Additionally, Shree Lakshmi dhaba was vandalised on accusations of adding onion to the food, a practice not adhered to by some Kanwariyas.
The Kanwariyas claimed that the car driver had hit one of their fellow pilgrims, which triggered the violence.
These contrasting incidents highlight the diverse reactions to the Kanwar Yatra across Uttar Pradesh. While Varanasi stands as a testament to religious harmony and mutual respect, Muzaffarnagar’s violence underscores the tensions that can arise during such significant religious events. The response from the Muslim community in Varanasi serves as a reminder of the potential for unity, even amidst controversial government decrees.