Jogeshwari’s Secular Shobha Yatra Sets the Bar

Mumbai’s Jogeshwari (West) held a belated Ram Navami yatra on April 24, 2022. However, unlike the other Ram Navami processions, this one proved to be a model of communal harmony as Muslims offered water to the people participating in the event.

Locals reported how the event meant to start from around 4 PM concluded peacefully, passing by minority regions without incident. To portray the feeling of oneness from both ends the Sarva Dharma Ekta Muslim Manch members worked with Shiv Sena Corporator Raju Pednekar to distribute water for participating devotees.

Speaking to ABP Live, members voiced the need for Hindu-Muslim unity in a land where people live together in peace.

Similarly, Pednekar speaking to the same channel said, “Our Muslim folk in Jogeshwari have sent out a wonderful message. They have welcomed this yatra by providing water for all Bhakts. Despite the message of divisionary sentiments circulating in India, Hindus and Muslims here celebrate festivals together. You can see the live example here.”

Further, he wished all Muslims for the approaching Eid and thanked all for the secular message.

While a Shobha yatra is not new in these regions, recent communal attacks in minority areas had created a tense atmosphere among communities, even those living in Mumbai. Such a secular display of a religious procession reinforces the ‘unity in diversity’ sentiment of India.