Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs celebrate Janmashtami at dargah

JAIPUR: Even as religion takes its toll on the country, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs celebrated the birthday of Lord Krishna at the dargah of Sharif Hazrat Hajib Shakarbar in a little village in Jhunjhunu district on Janmashtami, cementing the syncretic and peaceful culture that existed between communities stretching back to centuries.
The dargah at Narhad village near Chirwa town of Jhunjhunu has been celebrating this joyful occasion for over 300 years by organizing musical dramas, 'qawalis' and skits on this day.
The celebrations hark back to a period of the country when poets such as Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Nazir Akbarabadi penned various poems on Lord Krishna.
The 'bhajan' made famous by various singers, including Hariharan, 'Kya kya kahoon main kanhiya ka balpan...' (`What I can say about Krishna's childhood...'), was penned by Akbarabadi.
Thousands of Hindus come with flowers, coconuts and sweets to be offered at the shrine. The festivities, which continue for three days, conclude on Janmashtami.
Speaking to TOI over the phone, Usman Ali Pathan, the secretary of the dargah, said, "The 400 shops in the vicinity of the dargah organizes skits, dance dramas and qawalis to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. From what my ancestors told me, the tradition was begun by Sufi saints to promote Hindu-Muslim brotherhood."
People from many states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, visit the dargah during the festival. "Thousands of Hindus come here on Janmasthami and offer flowers, 'chadar,' coconuts and sweets at the shrine," he said.