"This is the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim
culture) of this city," says outgoing Varanasi SSP Navniet Sekera. "The
economic set-up of the city is such that it weaves both communities
together so strongly. You have Hindus and Muslims producing the famous
Benarasi silk saris together. Many Muslims run travel and tour businesses
in the city, which mainly depend on tourists to temple destinations. The
communal harmony here is remarkable."
That explains why Varanasi was back on its feet within two
hours of the blasts. The main market near the Dasashvamedh and Godaulia
ghats reopened at 9 p.m. and remained open late into the evening of March
7. "The next day BJP workers forced us to close down though we wanted to
keep our shops open to send a strong message to terrorists," says
prasad seller Tulsi Nath.
At Gauriganj there are over 200 sari units mostly owned by
Muslims where Hindu artisans are employed. "We are one. Nothing can divide
us," says Mohammad Sadiq Haq who employs nearly two dozen Hindus in his
loom.
Another instance of the Hindu-Muslim bond was seen at the
Indian Medical Association as its blood bank in-charge, Dr Kartikeya
Singh, announced: "We are not taking any more blood donations now. Our
refrigerators are full because people lined up in scores to donate blood
after the blasts. Muslims and women were the main donors." Ahmed Khan,
secretary to shehnai legend Bismillah Khan, says he inspired scores from
his community to donate blood for the injured. "That is the best way to
send the message that we are one. Everyone knows that Ustad Bismillah Khan
has played the shehnai all his life at the Sankat Mochan temple," Khan
tells us.
The city is now into its week-long festivities for Holi,
which began with traditional verve on Friday, with people thronging the
Kashi Vishwanath temple. "The town smells of spirituality and colour. No
tension or fear was evident during the celebration yesterday. Varanasi is
bouncing back," says district magistrate Nitin Gokharan.
(Courtesy: The Indian Express.)