For lone Muslim household, residents take initiative, Hindu family welcomes 'baraat' at their home

Mukesh Pandey

NewsBits.in

For the lone Muslim family in this village, it was a surprise when its neighbours decided to welcome the marriage procession. 

The 'baraat' was welcomed at the Hindu neighbour's home--arriving here, hosted and leaving also from the place.

The communal harmony was seen in Ranhai Kalaan village in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh. 

The occasion was the marriage of Yahya Khan's daughter Rafia who got married to Zubair, a youth hailing from Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Rafia's family is the lone Muslim family in this hamlet.

But Ram Krishan Patel who belongs to the same village and has relations with the Khan family for several generations decided that the 'baraat' will arrive at his house. Hence, the marriage procession arrived at Ram Krishna's house. Here, it was accorded a grand welcome.

Almost the entire village was present and the celebrations were held. There were firecrackers too. Later, the 'baraat' went from this house for the marriage. "We belong to same community, this is one 'samaj. Rafia is entire village's daughter', said Patel. "We wanted to be part of the reception of the marriage procession and send a message", he further said. 

Subsequently, the marriage was solemnized. The groom was also delighted at the welcome and the love shown by residents. "In rural areas, there is still love and people care so much for relations. I am overwhelmed", he said. 

The bride's father Yahya Khan, later said that it was a gesture that will always be remembered. "Yes, Rafia is my daughter but everyone in the village considers her as the daughter of the village and that's the sort of love and feeling of brotherhood, here", he said.