– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru, March 26: Even the normal routine things become special with the change of time and space. Apart from politicians extending Iftar parties during Ramadan, even social groups hosting such parties is usually considered a normal style. But a Hindu shrine hosting iftar party in midst of hate atmosphere and that too in an area which is known as fascist forces stronghold, the coastal part of Karnataka, makes it different and special, definitely.
An Iftar hosted by the administrative committee of Sri Ullaklu temple in Kedila village of Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district is a special event.
The Iftar held on Sunday at Muhiyuddin Juma Masjid highlighted the strong bond between Hindus and Muslims that has been the hallmark of the village, says the Masjid president Bathish Patrakodi. Daivastana administrative committee president Krishna Bhat said, “Since many Muslim families live around the Daivastana, our karyakarthas were keen on hosting an Iftar for the first time and strengthen the bond of friendship. We want to send a message of harmony and cooperation,” Bhat stressed.
“No religion propagates hatred. We have been living in harmony from time immemorial. People from all faiths have been offering prayers at the Daivastana,” he added.
“About 1.32 acres of land needed for the Daivastana was purchased from the late Pakrabba Haji,” Bhat said. Expressing happiness over the Iftar, Patrakodi said, “We have been living in harmony and helping each other in the village. When Daivastana committee members offered to host Iftar, the masjid committee agreed immediately.”
Around 300 people participated in the Iftar. “During the recent horekanike procession as part of the Daivastana’s Brahmakalashotsava, Muslims offered fruit and juice to Hindu devotees. Our leaders also had installed banners wishing the Brahmakalashotsava success,” Bathish recollected.
“We took part in Brahmakalashotsava and the committee ensured that we had food there,” Bathish said.
During Iftar, temple committee members were felicitated by the masjid committee. Masjid committee members and autorickshaw driver Ashraf, who offered free service to devotees during Brahmakalashotsava, were also felicitated by Daivastana committee members. Daivastana vice president Parameshwar Navada, Treasurer Chennappa Gowda, Brahmakalashotsav Samithi president Janardhan Kulal, secretary Charan Kulal and others were part of the Iftar.
