NEW DELHI: Amid the continued controversy surrounding the “nameplate” order on Kanwar routes, Kanwar artisans in Haridwar have turn into an emblem of Hindu-Muslim concord.
Annually through the month of Sawan, hundreds of thousands of Shiva devotees come to Haridwar to gather sacred Ganga water, carrying meticulously crafted Kanwars made by Muslim households.
This craft, which takes months of dedication, includes the whole group from elders to youngsters working tirelessly.
The initiative has garnered widespread appreciation for selling brotherhood and unity.
The Kanwar Yatra originates from Kumbhnagari Haridwar and has lengthy been a beacon of Hindu-Muslim concord. Thousands and thousands of Shiva devotees take part on this annual pilgrimage in Sawan, carrying Kanwars to gather sacred waters from the Ganga.
Remarkably, these Kanwars are crafted by Muslim households in Haridwar who dedicate many months to perfecting their craft.
Istkar, a Kanwar artisan, shared his emotions: “Now we have been doing this since childhood. It brings me pleasure to be deeply concerned in serving Bhole Baba.
We craft all forms of Kanwars and Dolis, feeling an incredible sense of success each whereas creating and sharing them. Our hearts join, and we’re all one.”
One other artisan, Abrar, who has been making Kanwars for 15 years, stated, “I’ve been doing this for 15 years, and it brings me nice pleasure. We additionally create Ravana effigies. It is all about love and brotherhood; the whole Hindu group is like household to us.”
The noble initiative by these Muslim households has been met with vital appreciation from the Hindu group. Many Hindus view the Kanwars made by these artisans as a testomony to brotherhood and unity.
Imran, one other Kanwar craft maker, added, “We have been doing this for 8-9 years. There is not any distinction between Hindus and Muslims right here. It does not trouble me in any respect; we’re all brothers. We by no means query why we must always work for Hindus. I have been doing this since childhood. In two or three days, all our Kanwars might be offered out.”
Nevertheless, the concord surrounding the Kanwar Yatra confronted a problem when the Uttar Pradesh authorities directed meals outlets on the Kanwar Yatra path to show their house owners’ names. The order gained widespread consideration, drawing criticism from numerous political figures and the opposition, who accused the Yogi authorities of selling a divisive agenda.
Muzaffarnagar Police clarified that they’ve urged all of the eateries to “voluntarily show” the names of their house owners and staff. They said that the intention of the order is to not create any type of “spiritual discrimination” however somewhat to facilitate the devotees.
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi responded by saying that the directive displays hatred towards Muslims in India.
He commented, “Worry on UP’s Kanwar routes: That is the fact of hatred for Indian Muslims, credit score for this visceral hatred goes to political events, leaders of Hindutva, and so-called lip servicing Secular events.”
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal additionally criticized the transfer, questioning its relevance to the event of the nation. “Kanwar Yatra Route UP directs eateries together with roadside carts to show the names of householders! Is that this the path to a ‘Viksit Bharat’? Divisive agendas will solely divide the nation!” Sibal stated in a put up on ‘X’.
Communist Get together of India (Marxist) chief Brinda Karat condemned the order, drawing a parallel to Nazi Germany. She stated, “The Uttar Pradesh authorities is destroying the Structure of India by issuing such orders… A complete group is being humiliated. They’re attempting to divide society. The sort of focusing on was performed by Nazis in Germany. I condemn it.”
TV actor Sonu Sood additionally weighed in on the problem, expressing his views on ‘X’, stating, “There needs to be just one title plate on each store: ‘HUMANITY’.”
Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Get together, additionally criticized the transfer and urged the courtroom to take suo motto cognizance of the matter.
Regardless of these controversies, the Kanwar artisans in Haridwar proceed to exemplify a spirit of unity and brotherhood by their work, making the annual pilgrimage an emblem of communal concord.
(With inputs from ANI)
