Crossing divides: Hindu-Sikh communities take care of mosque in Ludhiana

Punjab's Haidon Bet village has set an amazing example of fraternity and communal harmony by taking care of an old mosque in the village. Although, there is no Muslim family in the village, Hindus and Sikhs communities have ensured that secularism is maintained here.

Ludhiana (Punjab):India's religious groups have so often clashed with recent years marred by violence. However, a remarkable gesture has helped foster a rare harmony in Punjab's Haidon Bet village, about 60 km from Ludhiana.

A fantastic example of the true communal harmony exists in this village where Hindus and Sikhs collectively look after an old mosque. Although, there is no Muslim family in the village, Hindus and Sikhs communities have ensured that secularism is maintained here.

However, the pre-partition mosque in the village is not in a good position but it still stands tall and no one has ever spoken a word about demolishing it.

Villagers lighten lamp every Thursday and offer prayers in the mosque. Apart from this, an annual fair is also organised here.

Talking of such unusual bond, locals said that their emotions are attached to the monument. Temples, mosques and gurudwaras are all the same for them.

It is to be noted that, today, when there is a religious imbalance in the country, such stories instill a sense of brotherhood and harmony among people of different religions.