Friday, October 7 2005 15:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ahmedabad: While news of Muslims being banned from participating in Garba dance in Bhopal city received nationwide criticism, a group of persons in the city here have set a unique example of communal harmony by having both Muslims and Hindus as organisers for 'Navratri' in their locality.

This comes as a ray of hope, especially since Gujarat has earned notoriety following the post-Godhra communal riots in 2002.

"Me and my Hindu partners have been organising Garba in our locality for the past few years. This is a special way of sending a message of communal harmony and it works," the Garba organiser Rafiqbhai told PTI.

Rafiqbhai and his main partner Pareshbhai, a Hindu, have been organising 'Garba' without any trouble or pressure from any quarter and attribute this to the blessings of the deity and positive approach of people."

The duo hold the Garba function at the New Railway Colony in Sabarmati area and make all arrangements by taking donations.

Thanks to their efforts, Muslims from surrounding areas visit the venue and dance step-in-step with their Hindu brethren through out the nine nights of revelry.

"Rafiqbhai's ancestors are from a place near Bhopal and he is quite hurt with the ban reportedly imposed on Muslims participating in Garba there. It is not the right thing to do. We cannot do much about a decision taken there and such moves are mostly politically motivated. All I can hope is that the example of communal harmony and unity from Ahmedabad is replicated nationwide," he added.

The Gujarat Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has no plans to stop Muslim youths from participating in Garba at any venue in the city or any other part in the state.

When asked about the state VHP's stand on the issue, Senior VHP leader Kaushik Mehta said, "The decision taken by the Bhopal unit is their own. There will be no such ban in Gujarat and Garba will be held in the traditional manner."

Leaders of the city unit of the Bajrang Dal also said that Muslim youths will not be prevented from participating in Garba as it is an age-old tradition in the state. However activists of the 'Durga Vahini' will be present at all major venues in the city here to ensure that no Hindu girl is teased or troubled."