Colours unite Hindu and Muslim Ayodhya litigants

AYODHYA: The perfect example to show that Holi is a day to forget all differences and let go of any grudges was found in Ayodhya on Thursday. Hindu and Muslim litigants of the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute joined hands and celebrated Holi together with colours and delicacies.


The festivities took place at the residence of chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple Acharya Satyendra Das in Ayodhya.

The main litigant from the Muslim side Iqbal Ansari and that from the Hindu side Mahant Dharam Das hugged each other to exchange wishes on the festival. Ansari was accompanied by about a dozen members of the Muslim community at the chief temple priest’s place.

“For centuries, Hindu and Muslim communities have together celebrated festivals here. We have assembled to give the country a message of peace and harmony,” said Ansari.

“Hindus and Muslims share the same DNA; festivals connect each other. As Muslims are celebrating Holi with us, we celebrate Eid with them. We are tied in unbreakable relations,” said Acharya Satyendra Das.

Mahant Dharam Das, another litigant from the Hindu side, said, “There is no space for communal hatred in our society. We give a message of peace and for Hindu-Muslim brotherhood in Ayodhya.”

Scenes of brotherhood were also witnessed at the dargah of 18th century Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah in Deva, Barabanki.

Setting an example of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence of communities, devotees from all parts of the country come here every year to get blessings of Waris Ali Shah on Holi.

A majority of people who play colours on the premises of the dargah are Muslims. Hindu disciples of Waris Ali Shah join in too with ‘Sajjada Nasheens’ (priests of the Dargaah).