Muslim leaders in Nepalgunj celebrate Dashain, showcasing religious harmony

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Oct. 5: This year’s Bada Dashain festival has captured attention in Nepalgunj, as members of the Muslim community joined Hindus in celebrating the festival, showing the city’s strong spirit of unity and religious harmony.

Bada Dashain is the biggest festival celebrated by the Nepali Hindus.    

On Thursday, during the auspicious hour of Dashain Tika, several prominent Muslim leaders in Nepalgunj received Tika and Jamara from Hindu elders, marking their participation in Hindu festival. 

Continuing a long-standing tradition of interfaith coexistence, Muslim community leaders joined their Hindu counterparts to celebrate and exchange blessings, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood that defines the city.

Abdul Wahid Mansuri, Central Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and a respected Muslim leader, received Tika and Jamara from a senior Hindu elder. 

He described the practice as an extraordinary example of mutual respect and fraternity that transcends religious boundaries.

He stated that the people of Nepalgunj have long celebrated festivals such as Dashain, Eid, Tihar, Bakra Eid, Holi, Muhammad Day, Raksha Bandhan and Deepawali together, fostering strong community ties.

Similarly, senior social worker Parvez Ali Siddiqui also received Tika from elders and offered blessings to younger  people. 

He remarked that the deep-rooted affection and understanding between the Hindu and Muslim communities has made Nepalgunj a true model of social harmony. On the same occasion, Muslim leaders Raj Khan and Sakir Khan also received Tika and expressed joy at being able to celebrate festivals of all faiths with mutual respect.

Social leader Namaskar Shah praised this tradition of inter-community participation, calling it a commendable example of unity. He acknowledged that although external influences sometimes create tension, both communities have consistently worked together to restore a peaceful and friendly environment.

According to Shah, it has now become a well-established tradition in Nepalgunj for Hindus to take part in Muslim festivals and for Muslims to join Hindu celebrations, an enduring symbol of religious harmony in the city.

Nepalgunj is a town known for inter-faith tolerance and in keeping with this tradition the Muslim community leaders here have celebrated Bada Dashain by receiving tika and jamara from their seniors.