Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Mar 1: At a time when murder of a Hindu activist and the Hijab row in court have vitiated the atmosphere in the state , a village in the district witnessed an incident which speaks volumes about the sense of belongingness and the belief among many that God is one.

Members of a Muslim family headed by Riyaz offered puja to a Hindu god, Lord Ganesha, at Deen Dayal extension in Belur. All the members of the family together offered this puja. Local priest Manjunath Shastri, guided the religious procedures, while some Hindus supported the programme by participating in the puja and accepting the Prasadam at the end.

It is learnt that the Riyaz family decided to perform Ganesha Puja after Lord Chennakeshava of Neluru appeared in a family member's dream and instructed them to offer puja to Ganesha. They installed the idol of Ganesha under a tree and then offered puja complete with chanting of Mantras.

Riyaz's father, Basha Saheb, had got land in Deen Dayal extension, Belur under the Land Reforms Act. Eight years ago, Riyaz had sold the land to a Hindu family. Riyaz's family, which used to offer services to Lord Chennakeshava, presiding deity of Belur till then, could not continue with it as the family shifted base elsewhere. It is said that during the last three months, Riaz's nephew repeatedly dreamt as if Lord Chennakehava appeared before him and instructed the family to perform Ganesha Puja. In tune with this, the family offered this puja.

The family discussed with the owner of the land to whom they had sold the land and then performed the procedures. Many Hindu and Muslim leaders witnessed the puja. At a time when differences on communal lines are coming to the fore often, more and more such occasions are desired in order to cement the relationships again and to bring back the faith in the concept of universal brotherhood.