In Bikaner, Rajasthan, a display of communal harmony was witnessed as Muslim worshippers offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers while Hindu girls performed ‘Gangaur’ rituals on the same day. The ‘Gangaur’ festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is being observed in various parts of India including Rajasthan. Unmarried girls seek ideal life partners during ‘Gangaur,’ while married women pray for the well-being of their husbands.
Celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan, Muslims globally, including in India, observed Eid-ul-Fitr on the same day as the ‘Gangaur’ festival in Bikaner. Historian Ravi Bhatt highlighted the historical significance of Ganga-Jamuni ‘tehzeeb,’ a cultural tradition shaped by the nawabs of Awadh. The nawabs’ efforts in fostering a shared cultural space across communities have left a lasting impact on cities like Lucknow.
Last year, Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali celebrations also showcased the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb as Muslim women participated in preparing and lighting one lakh lamps made from cow dung on the ghats.
