Whenever Hindu-Muslim unity is discussed in the country, large cities and historical examples are often mentioned. But a small village named Gurdaspur in Bihar’s Begusarai district has been presenting such an example for nearly ten decades, which shows that brotherhood and mutual respect are not merely subjects of books or speeches, but can also be a way of life for people.
For nearly 100 years, people from the Hindu and Muslim communities in this village have been celebrating Muharram together. Here, Muharram is not just a religious event, but has become a symbol of love, trust, and social harmony among the people. This is why, during the days of Muharram, the entire village appears like one family.
The foundation of this unique tradition was laid by the late Bal Govind Mahto of the village. He not only fulfilled his responsibilities as the president of the Muharram Committee, but also carried forward every tradition of this festival with full respect. From the first Muharram to the tenth Muharram, he personally looked after all the arrangements for the rituals. He even took responsibility for obtaining permission for the procession on the tenth Muharram. For him, this was not just a position, but a means of strengthening social unity.
Over time, when age and health began to affect him, he handed over this responsibility to his grandson Vishnudev Mahto. Vishnudev Mahto also carried forward his grandfather’s legacy with complete dedication and served as the president of the Muharram Committee for nearly 30 years. Later, he handed over this responsibility to his nephew Pankaj Kumar Mahto. Today, Pankaj Kumar Mahto is carrying forward this tradition with the same dedication and spirit, because of which this example still remains alive.
Another important chapter of this story is Kushma Devi. Despite belonging to a Hindu family, she performed all the religious rituals of Muharram for years with complete devotion and responsibility. She is the daughter of Bal Govind Mahto and played an important role in carrying forward her father’s vision. Later, due to ill health, she handed over this responsibility to her daughter Urmila Devi. Today, along with her household responsibilities, Urmila Devi performs all the rituals and ceremonies from the first Muharram to the tenth Muharram according to Muslim customs and traditions. Her contribution is proof that humanity and respect have no caste or religion.
In Gurdaspur village, which has nearly 500 families, people from the Hindu community have been leading the Muharram Committee for years. Celebrated with simplicity and brotherhood, this festival has now become a center of attraction for the entire region.
During Muharram, two Akharas are the main attractions of the village. One Akhara is led by Mohammad Altaf, while the other is under the leadership of Mohammad Rabban. The players of both Akharas give outstanding performances of their traditional art and sporting skills. To witness these performances, thousands of people from all communities come with their families from five to six nearby villages. The people who come here do not just watch the games, but also experience the unity and brotherhood that is the greatest identity of this village.
Today, when stories that bring society together are needed the most, this tradition of Gurdaspur emerges as a ray of hope. Without any stage or publicity, this village has been giving the country a message for years that if there is respect and trust in people’s hearts, religion never becomes a wall; rather, it becomes a means of bringing people together.
