How the Khan’s of Kalyaninagar are celebrating Ramnavami
The Kalyaninagar-based Ikram Khan’s family has been carrying out their service to Hanuman Temple during Ramnavami celebrations as part of their four-generation-old connection with religious institutions towards the cause of humanity
At a time when the Ramnavami celebrations are being marred by communal violence, a Muslim family is participating in the celebrations for the past fifty years, sending a strong message of communal harmony and Hindu-Muslim unity in the country.
The Kalyaninagar-based Ikram Khan’s family has been carrying out their service to Hanuman Temple during Ramnavami celebrations as part of their four-generation-old connection with religious institutions towards the cause of humanity. Recently, parts of Maharashtra including Sambhajinagar witnessed communal violence a day before Ramnavami.
Ikram Khan and his family are associated with the temple and Ramnavami celebrations for the past 75 years since his great grandfather had cordial relations with Ramawadi residents.
Ramwadi Mitra Mandal president Vijay Galande who organised Ramnavami festival said, “Ikram Khan and his family have been visiting the temple and participating in the festivities for generations. It is a strong bond of friendship and brotherhood which exists between us which we will cherish forever.”
The temple trustees last year had performed Bhajans at Sadal Baba Dargah as part of the national unity mission espoused by Khan.
“Our family has maintained the connection till date and I carry the legacy of one humanity inherited from my great grandfather who taught me that true religion is sinking all boundaries and regarding all as one. We make prasad on behalf our family and the offering is distributed to the devotees during Ramnavami as per the tradition set by my forefathers,” said Khan.
“M grandfather and father used to take us to Ramwadi for the festivities, and now, I take my son Ahad with me every year. We eat with them in their homes. We haven’t missed a function in the last 50 years. It is one of the deepest connections we have built with the community,” added Khan.
Hanuman Mandir caretaker Tatya Deokar is all praise for Khan and his family. “This time not only Ikram Khan but also his son Ahad participated in the celebrations. Their family is closely associated with us for generations together and his great great grandfather used to actively participate in all our festivals be it Ramnavami or Ganesh festival . Not a single programme begins without their donation for prasad and other things. At our invitation, Ikram Khan visits the Hanuman Mandir in Ramwadi and has been donating for Prasad and other needs. He is a great example of Hindu-Muslims unity.”
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