Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 6: A grand procession held in Nejaru on Saturday to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) turned into a remarkable celebration of communal harmony, drawing widespread appreciation from the local community.
The Milad procession was organised under the banner of the Nejaru Juma Mosque and its affiliated institutions. It began at the mosque premises, passed through Santakatte, reached Kallianpur, and returned via Nejaru Nidamballi Road, concluding at the mosque.
Led by P P Basheer Musliyar, the event featured energetic performances by teams from Kundapur and Golikatte, which drew large crowds and added a festive rhythm to the spiritual occasion.
In a gesture that symbolised interfaith unity, several Hindu institutions and local organisations extended hospitality to the participants. The Babbu Swami Temple of Kelarkalabettu, Nejaru Jagadguru Bhajana Mandir, Sharada Bhajana Mandir, Nejaru Sports Ground Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Association, and local business owners Prakash Achari and Chandrashekhar Achari of Guru Ganesh Travels & Constructions, offered refreshments (panaka) along the procession route.
“This is not just a religious event; it is a reflection of our shared values. Serving panaka to our Muslim brothers is our way of expressing solidarity and goodwill,” said Prakash Achari.
In return, the mosque committee presented mementoes to all participating groups as a mark of gratitude and mutual respect.
The celebration concluded with an annasantarpane (community meal) at the mosque, where people from all faiths gathered to share in the spirit of unity and peace.
The event was graced by several prominent community leaders, including Haji Abubakkar Nejar (president, Udupi District United Jamaat), K R Kasim (president, Nejaru Mosque), Khateeb Usman Madani, Sunni organisation leader Ashraf Anjadi Parchikere, Noufal Madani Nejar (manager, Mas Nawi Institutions), Mosque secretary Shahid, Ayub Nejar, and others.
The procession not only marked a significant religious occasion but also stood out as a model of communal coexistence, reinforcing the idea that faith can unite rather than divide.