Ranchi: As saffron-clad pilgrims marched toward temples on the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan, their journey was made smoother by Muslim volunteers who offered them water, medicines, and refreshments along the route.This annual tradition, now embraced by both communities, is a powerful symbol of unity amidst religious diversity. Volunteers set up stalls at Ranchi’s Karbala Chowk, offering water, tea, refreshments, and basic medical aid to tired pilgrims.Aquilur Rahman, general secretary of the Ranchi Central Muharram Committee, said, “Religion teaches us compassion. We are not just helping Shiva devotees but nurturing our shared heritage of peace. We have been doing this for the past 10 years during Shravan. The kanwariyas accept whatever we can provide with utmost gratitude.”A volunteer at the camp, Parvez Alam, said, “Acts like these bridge gaps and foster understanding. Our initiative exemplifies that the communities are in arms both in times of celebration and crisis. We will set up camps on the remaining two Mondays as well. We pray for everyone’s well-being.”What stood out was the mutual respect between the communities. Many kanwariyas, surprised yet deeply touched, folded their hands in gratitude and blessed the volunteers. “It’s beautiful to see people from different faiths standing together. This is the real India,” said a devotee, Vrijesh Pathak.The initiative also received accolades from several senior administrative officials present at the camp, including Ranchi (City) SP Ajit Kumar, (city) DSP K B Raman, DSP and OC of Lower Bazar PS, Dayanand Kumar.
