Shared festival: Karnataka village installs Ganesha idol at mosque, sets example of harmony

GADAG: At a time when festivals often become occasions for communal conflicts in various parts of the country, Ganeshotsav in Sandigawad village, Ron taluk, presents a rare example of harmony between its Hindu and Muslim residents, with a Ganesha idol installed in the premises of the local mosque.

The idol, installed on Aug 27, will be immersed on Sunday, marking the fifth day of celebrations.The Muslim community in Sandigawad has been actively supporting Hindus during Ganesha festival by allowing the installation of a Ganesha idol at the village mosque. For the past three years, the festival has been celebrated jointly for five days. Located about 35 km from Gadag, the village has emerged as a model of communal harmony, where Hindus and Muslims take part in each other's festivals.

Just as Muslims join hands for Ganeshotsava, Hindus also celebrate Ramzan, making festivals a shared celebration of unity.

‘We have never had any clash, we are united’

Villagers said Muslims joined Hindus in decorating the mantap, performing pujas, and other rituals. "There is no opposition of any kind. We have never had any kind of clash. We are united," said Hindu residents Tippangouda Hullur, Shivappa Jalihal and others, adding that Muslims also take part in festivals like Ugadi, Deepavali and sing bhajans during Shravana month.

Muslim villagers, including Davalsaab Nadaf and Rajesab Gangur, said they were happy to share responsibility for the celebrations. "We started hosting Ganeshotsava at the mosque in 2022 when villagers expressed their wish to install the idol in a public place. Since then, we have been celebrating it together," they said.