Muslims Set Up Food, Water Stalls for Immersion Volunteers

Hyderabad:In an attempt to promote harmony and brotherhood, Muslims set up food and water stalls near Charminar on Friday, serving thousands of people who gathered for the Ganesha idol immersion procession in the Old City. Volunteers distributed water and food packets with vegetable pulao, lemon rice, puri saag and coconut sweets.

The initiative helped visitors find food and water as shops in the area remained closed. Distribution continued until the last Ganesha idol passed through the Charminar route.

Among those involved was former GHMC corporator Mohammed Ghouse, who has been distributing food and water during the festival for more than two decades.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ghouse said he began the initiative in 2002 after witnessing communal violence during the 1990s. “I wanted to set an example by distributing food to people during the festival. This initiative will be continued every year,” he said. Ghouse said Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb was an important part of the Deccan’s social and cultural life and that the initiative would mark its silver jubilee next year.

Md Haji Mastan, who was distributing food, said the initiative was aimed at promoting communal harmony and brotherhood among Muslims and Hindus. “I will continue to take part in the initiative every year as it makes me happy,” he said.

Laxman Rao, who visited Charminar with his children, said they had come to experience the celebrations in the Old City. “We started from home after having lunch. But, we were hungry. People distributing food at such a time has been really helpful,” he said.