In this Shia mosque, religion is not a divider, neither for the Warkaris who take shelter here nor for the trustees who welcome them
In this Shia mosque, religion is not a divider, neither for the Warkaris who take shelter here nor for the trustees who welcome them
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At a time when dividing lines are drawn on the basis of caste, creed and even region, a group of Puneites has quietly shown the way to true unity. For the past 19 years, trustees of Hazrat Raza Shah Fakir Takiya and Masjid Trust of the Shia community in Ganjpeth have gladly given shelter to Warkaris in their premises. More than 100 Warkaris, who came on yesterday, are now enjoying the hospitality of the mosque and will leave tomorrow.
Volunteers of the trust ensure that the Warkaris have a pleasant stay. "We make all the preparations for the Warkaris before their arrival. And as they are tired and we make sure they can spend a few days comfortably," said trustee Sayeed Zulfekar Ali. "Our Maulana personally serves food to the Warkaris," he added.
Gajanan Vanzare, who prepares the food, explained how this arrangement first began. "Initially, my family used to serve them at home. Gradually, the number increased and I began looking for a place to put them up. It was then that the trust offered us their facilities. They made it a point to help me in my initiative." he recalled.
Pandharinath More (85), a Warkari from Kolhapur, is full of praise for the trust's efforts. "We are treated very well and good facilities are arranged for us, year after year," he said. Echoed Shakuntala Lohar (55), another pilgrim. "They make good arrangements for both men and women. The mosque volunteers see to it that we don't have any problems," she said.
"No one has ever created any problems for us. We are happy to meet the Warkaris' requirements and make them feel comfortable. This has been a festive tradition for us for the past nineteen years and we will carry this tradition forever," said Zulfekar.
