Krishnagiri: In Krishnagiri, the Ganesha procession is a symbol of brotherhood because Muslims and Hindus observe the rituals without contention. On Sunday, 34 Ganesha idols were taken out in procession to complete the immersion rituals in Kelamangala, 15 km from Hosur in Krishnagiri district. Police protection was less compared to other places though Kelamangalam is dominated by Muslims. “We have no tension in Kelamangalam because people of both religions observe the festival without contention,” Mr K. Radhakrishnan, DSP for Denkannikottai police division, told DC. He added, “In all, 34 Ganeshas were taken out in procession. Many of them were installed with the support of local Muslims.”
Mr K.S. Syed Hassain, 50, secretary for the Kelamangalam Jamath, said “Not only Hindus, but Muslims also observe the festival to show the bond of love and togetherness between the two religions. Half of the members in the festival committee are Muslims, providing them an opportunity to be part of every ritual. We consider this as the highest honour given to our jamath and our community people,” he said.
Mr R. Siddaiah, 40, president for the Kelamangalam Ganesha festival organising committee, said, “The Ganesha festival is considered a social event rather than a religious ceremony. This helps us in celebrating the festival in a grand manner, compared to other places that witness tension.” Mr Siddaiah explained the Muslims’ role in the festival. “Besides taking part, they also give monetary support from the beginning till the immersion ritual is completed according to custom.”
