Hindu Priest to Host Iftar in Ayodhya

October 1, 2007

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Khaleej Times

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2007/October/subcontinent_October23.xml&section=subcontinent&col=

A sadhu in Ayodhya has decided to host an Iftar party for the local Muslims for paving the path for communal harmony in the otherwise communally sensitive ancient Hindu temple town.

Both Hindus and Muslims will join in the Iftar in large numbers to prove Ayodhya’s local residents believe in communal harmony, the sadhu said, pointedly adding, “It is only the outsiders who create trouble in this town of peace-loving people.”

This is after a gap of four years that a Hindu priest is hosting an Iftar party at Ayodhya. Head priest, Mohant Gyan Das of Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya’s oldest temple, had for the first time organised an 'Iftar' party in 1983.

Now another well-known Sadhu, Mahant Jugal Kishore Saran Shastri, has issued invitations for a grand ‘Iftar’ on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Well-known Muslim religious leader Maulana Kalbe Sadiq has been invited as the chief guest.