Hindus, Muslims Celebrate Together in Nepal

[Guest guest]

KATHMANDU, Nepal (April 21, 2004) - Nepali society is difficult to

understand. However, if a close look is given to the pattern of our

society, what comes to the fore is that we are not at all a

disintegrative force by any measure.

 

We have Ali Miyan, a Muslim permanently residing in Pokhara, who is

revered as a Nepali poet of national standing. He was also honored

for his poetic contributions. Ali Miyan has been a source of

inspiration to all the Nepalese indeed.

 

We have some Muslims in Pokhara and Palpa districts who at times go

out of their tradition and very cultures and accomplish acts that

permanently break the barriers that we have erected between

ourselves in the name of the religion.

 

Thanks the Muslims of Pokhara and Palpa that they have been

accepting TIKA at time of the Dashain festivals, festivals once

enjoyed exclusively by the HINDUS. Now it is not an exclusive

property of the Hindus. Muslim brothers have also joined us. It's

time that we too provide due honor to their religion and festive

occassions in a manner as they have been doing for us.

 

Such acts will only promote integration and will enhance the bonds

of religion as well.

 

As if this was not all, some Muslims residing in DULE-GAUNDA

village, which falls in Tanahun district, only recently did miracles

and surprised many a brain here and there. Unbelievable though it

may appear, the fact is that we have to trust what they did which

was witnessed by all who had gathered on the occasion.

 

A Hindu priest is uttering sermons and songs that are devoted to the

Hindu deities, naturally made for the Hindus only. Suddenly, a huge

group of Muslim men and women join the song and begin exhibiting --

which is just uncommon. Amina Khatun, 55, with her veil intact is

dancing to the tune of the songs. Majida Khatun, 10, is assisting

Amina. And the climax: Amir Miyan, an older personality indeed, is

being supported in his venture by his colleagues from his own

community by providing uninterrupted claps.

 

The forty-five households of the Muslims who are in the village not

only danced together with the Hindus on the occasion but also

contributed financially what was possible from their sides for a

very pious cause.

 

In fact, the Yagna, a worship that lasts for days and days wherein

burning flames in the pyre continue for all along the days until the

Yagna concludes, had been organized by the villagers for the

construction of a Hospital in the village. The Muslims instantly

collected some eleven thousand rupees and donated to the committee

handling the construction of the said hospital.

 

The main priest who was watching the surprising activities of the

Muslims could not control his temptation and said: "I hereby declare

that the wall of the two religions stands dismantled henceforth. I

also greet the Muslim brethren here".

 

Listening to the priest's declaration, Mohd. Salif and Amir Baksh,

both Muslims representing the "Nepal Muslim Society" suddenly

stepped into the platform who were honored by the main priest. A

shawl bearing the letters of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were wrapped

in the personality of the two Muslim leaders.

 

What the Muslims donated in financial terms is not that important.

However, what is important is that the Hindus and the Muslims appear

to have decided to live in complete harmony immaterial of their

practicing religion. What is also important is that the Muslims and

the Hindus have accomplished this miracle not prompted by any

political leaders. It is their own consideration that they have come

closer. The cause has been the erection of a hospital for all of

them.

 

This event could well be an eye-opener for those who spread hatred

in between the two religions. The fact is that we can live together.

The rest of the world could learn much from Nepal.

 

Kudos to the Hindus and the Muslims living in Tanahun district. You

all have made us proud. All the best to you both. Keep it up.

 

SOURCE: The Weekly Telegraph of Nepal; "A rare event wherein Nepali

Hindus and Muslims break religion wall"

 

URL:

http://www.nepalnews.com.np/contents/englishweekly/telegraph/2004/apr

/apr21/impression.htm