H-M synthesis in a Maharashtra village: Hindus observe Muharram, Muslims celebrate hindu festivals and come to pray at Hanuman temple

by Guest Fri Aug 19, 2016 9:06 pm

At a time when Maharashtra is at the forefront of mounting protests seeking equal right of access to women in places of worship, the small village of Boregaon located 430 km east of Mumbai stands as a beacon of inspiration with a woman “pujari” leading prayers in the village for the last decade.

Not only does 42-year-old Shardabai Gurao conduct morning “aartis” at the village’s lone Hanuman temple, prayers are often attended by members of the Muslim community in the village during festivals. “You wouldn’t know a Hindu woman from a Muslim woman. They all dress the same way,” says sarpanch Ambika Gadhawe.

It was the gram panchayat’s decision, she adds, to allow Gurao to become a “pujari” for Boregaon. The village, with its 1,570 population, has 115 Muslims. “And she is the best pujari I have seen so far,” Gadhawe smiles....

During festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Hanuman Jayanti, members of different communities come together to decorate the temple with her. During Muharram, Muslims are joined by others in their 10-day observance. “Our village is away from caste issues. The panchayat ensures we do every thing together,” says Srishel Chiklande, who visits the temple every afternoon, asking Gurao on each visit if she needs anything for the temple.

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/shardabai-gurao-of-boregaon-in-solapur-with-a-woman-priest-hasnt-heard-of-shani-shingnapur-temple-2804477/

by garam_kuta Fri Aug 19, 2016 10:24 pm

shame on you to spam venting your rage in others posts

H-M synthesis in a Maharashtra village: Hindus observe Muharram, Muslims celebrate hindu festivals and come to pray at Hanuman temple

H-M synthesis in a Maharashtra village: Hindus observe Muharram, Muslims celebrate hindu festivals and come to pray at Hanuman temple

Re: H-M synthesis in a Maharashtra village: Hindus observe Muharram, Muslims celebrate hindu festivals and come to pray at Hanuman temple