Chaturthi, Ramzan rub shoulders

MUMBAI: At 6 pm, Laxmanrao Yadav Market in Kurla(W) resonates with the sound of bhajans. At the centre of the market is the source of the sound - a Ganesh pandal housing a four-foot high idol. But to its right, pale pink curtains are unfurled and a scroll with verses from the Koran is put up on a wall. People gather around as it is time for roza, the breaking of the daily Ramzan fast.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Ramzan fall close to each other every year and members of both communities in this market participate in festivities of the other."All of us own shops here. We live and work in close proximity; so many aspects of our lives have converged. It is only natural that we would celebrate our festivals together too,'' says Ajay Yadav, one of the organizers of the festivities.
In the last two years, dates of the festivals have coincided so they have been celebrated side by side. Nivrutti More, who sells spices at the market, says, "We've been celebrating these festivals together in the market since 10 years or more. Over the past two years, both Ramzan and Ganesh Chaturthi have fallen on the same days. So the aarti at night is timed to take place once namaz is over.''
Adjustments like these are the key to the harmonious celebrations, say vendors. "During the visarjan procession, we do not use gulal, lest it offend anyone. Drinking alcohol is also strictly prohibited,'' says Sheikh Papa, vice president of the Ganesh mandal, adding, "The loudspeakers are turned down when it is time for namaz,'' he adds.
The joint celebration provides an opportunity for a fusion of cultures as well. So when it is time for the visarjan procession to set off, the band plays qawwali numbers after the traditional Ganesh vandana.
"On our way to Juhu beach for the immersion, we stop at a dargah nearby, offer a chaddar and prayers and then continue,'' says Yadav of this quirky celebration.
The final touch that makes this a truly inter-communal celebration: the spot where the idol is placed every year is the site of two galas - one owned by a Hindu, the other by a Muslim.