A group of “train friends,” daily commuters comprising Hindu and Muslim residents of Palghar district in Surat, 120 kilometres from Mumbai, have been embodying the spirit of interfaith harmony aboard the ‘Flying Rani’ train on the Western Railway Line.
During Ramzan last month, as the train left Andheri station in Mumbai, Hindu members would facilitate ‘iftar’ – breaking fast – for their Muslim friends, besides creating space near the footboard for their Muslim friends to pray. After the prayers, the iftar would turn into a communal get-together with dates and snacks shared among the passengers.
The Hindu-Muslim brotherhood of this group extends beyond Iftar and Eid celebrations. The Muslims offer fruits to their Hindu friends during the nine-day fast at Navratri. And during the Ganpati festival, they help their Hindu friends install a massive 5-metre idol in their neighbourhood, transporting the idol by road and participating in decorating it.
Read more at Iftar aboard Flying Rani: Mumbai train showcases spirit of Hindu-Muslim harmony by Shweta Desai 12 April 2023
Lead photo courtesy: Mahendra Parikh/The National
I will always remember my first Eid in Hyderabad. I, a Hindu by birth, had gone down for my job interview and wandered off to the Char Minar area because locals told me that’s where the action was that night. The smells of the dekchis with sealed lids wafted toward us invitingly from a mile away. Then the moon was sighted! I think you know the rest. I am also reminded of a late passenger train in the Catholic heartland of central Italy. By the time my Jewish friend and I got in, there was only room in the corridor. At dinnertime, the seated passengers opened their meal containers and wonder of wonders! the metal dabbas got passed around into the area where we were standing. Everyone shared. I don’t remember what we had but on empty stomachs it was divine! In both of those situations, food trumped religion!