Jharkhand Village Celebrates Muharram for 7 Decades Despite Absence of Muslims

In a remarkable display of communal harmony, a Hindu family in Hedum village, Chatra district, Jharkhand, has been celebrating the Muslim festival of Muharram for 71 years. Despite the absence of any Muslim families in the village, the family of Kamakhya Singh Bhogta has embraced the tradition, also observing other Muslim festivals like Ramadan, Eid, and Bakrid. The village community actively participates in the Muharram celebrations, assisting in the preparation of the Tazia and joining the procession. The annual procession culminates in a fair at Kalyanpur Bazar Tand, drawing visitors from far and wide, showcasing a unique blend of cultures and traditions. The family attributes the tradition’s inception to a divine intervention, highlighting the enduring spirit of unity.