Nagpur: On Monday, Nagpur, the Second Capital of Maharashtra, witnessed a vibrant display of religious unity and cultural diversity as three significant festivals– Eid-e-Milad, Ganesh Visarjan, and Onam — were celebrated simultaneously, painting the city with a rich tapestry of colours, traditions, and shared joy.
Eid-e-Milad celebrations at Dosar Bhavan Square
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Saturday 09 Nov. 2024
The Muslim community in Nagpur celebrated Eid-e-Milad with great enthusiasm, marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. The celebrations were centred at Dosar Bhavan Square, near Mominpura Gate, where large rallies were organized. The streets came alive with processions featuring colorful banners, green flags, and chants praising the Prophet, as citizens joined in to commemorate this sacred occasion. Traditional sweets and refreshments were distributed among the attendees, fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity. Religious sermons and prayers emphasized the teachings of compassion, charity, and humility, reflecting the spiritual significance of the day.
The event also highlighted the cooperation between various religious groups, with local authorities ensuring smooth proceedings and maintaining a harmonious atmosphere throughout the city. The mutual respect and shared spaces during these celebrations underscored the deep-rooted religious tolerance in Nagpur
Ganesh Visarjan: A grand farewell to Lord Ganesh
While Eid-e-Milad processions were in full swing, another significant event was taking place– the farewell to Lord Ganesh as the ten-day Ganeshotsav came to a close. Citizens across Nagpur came together to bid adieu to their beloved deity with grand processions for the Ganesh Visarjan. Streets were packed with devotees singing and dancing to traditional beats, as intricately decorated idols of Lord Ganesh made their way towards immersion sites.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had taken steps to ensure eco-friendly immersions, encouraging the use of artificial tanks and urging devotees to avoid harmful materials.
Amidst the celebrations, the city’s diverse communities participated in the rituals, demonstrating the spirit of togetherness that defines Nagpur’s cultural fabric.
Onam: The Malayali community’s festive spirit
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Malayali community in Nagpur celebrated Onam, the harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festivities began with the Mahabali Yezhunallippu Pooja, where members of the community gathered for prayers to honour the benevolent king and express gratitude for the year’s harvest.
Onam celebrations featured traditional Pookalam (floral rangolis) adorning the entrances of homes and community spaces, while cultural programs, including classical dances like Thiruvathira, added to the joy of the occasion. The highlight of the day was the grand Onam Sadhya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves, where families and friends came together to share a meal comprising a variety of vegetarian dishes, symbolizing abundance and unity.
A day of harmony and coexistence
The coincidence of Eid-e-Milad, Ganesh Visarjan, and Onam in Nagpur on the same day provided a striking example of religious harmony and cultural diversity. People from different communities respected each other’s celebrations, sharing spaces and participating in the vibrant cultural exchanges. The city remained peaceful, with law enforcement and civic bodies ensuring that the overlapping processions and events went on without disruption.
This day was a testament to Nagpur’s legacy of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, where diverse traditions are not only observed but celebrated together, reinforcing the city’s rich multicultural identity.
