Lucknow: The annual rath yatra of Lord Jagannath to be taken out on Sunday will reflect ganga jamuni tehzeeb of the city. From decoration of the sacred chariot to making wooden idols or arranging for funds, each procession will see involvement of Muslims ‘rozedars’ in some or the other form.

“It’s like double blessing for us,” said Mohd Nasim, a local who provides his open-roof jeeps to be turned into rath for the procession to be taken out by Shri Shri Jaggannath Yatra Mela Samiti in Chowk. “Ever since I had brought my first vehicle I have been giving it for Yatra Seva.. My forefathers also used to take active part in the festival,” he said.

Sunil Beg, a mango businessman and builder by trade, who is a member of Chowk’s Jaggannath Yatra Mela Samiti, has been entrusted with the task of setting up of Prasad stalls, gathering funds and ensuring the smooth passage of the procession. Beg, who is fasting in Ramazan, said, “The Muslims here cooperate with the authorities and welcome the yatra with open hearts. It is a matter of pride to work in harmony for such a cause”.

Anurag Dixit, a member of the Chowk Yatra organizing committee said, “We have Muslim members who have been donating from 1,000 to 50,000 for Jaggannath Yatra each year and they have been doing it from decades.”

About four processions start from different temples all over the town and most of these pass through densely Muslim populated areas of the old city. Passing through Akbari gate and Chowk, they are welcomed by people who shower it with flowers and ittar. Many individuals will also be setting up stalls and water kiosks in route of processions in different parts of the city.

Umar Bhai Roti Waale, who owns mughlai food shops in Old Lucknow , has made it a habit to set up stalls of ‘sharbat’ and other refreshments for the people.

Similarly, Rafiq Bhai, who has been putting up water kiosks at Aishbagh for Yatra in his area, said that the satisfaction one derives from offering water to thirsty devotees is truly divine.

