Ahilyanagar : Muslim traders barred from conducting business at the Madhi Yatra

• Complaints from locals that some Muslim traders enter the temple premises after consuming non-vegetarian food

• Villagers unite to safeguard the sanctity of the sacred Madhi kshetra

Ahilyanagar – As in the previous year, Muslim traders will not be permitted to set up shops during the annual yatra at Madhi (Taluka Pathardi) this year as well. The Gram Panchayat of Madhi has passed a resolution to this effect. Sarpanch Sanjay Markad officially announced this decision.

Last year, a similar resolution had triggered major controversy and the matter had even reached the court. Although the final verdict is still awaited, former Sarpanch and present administrator Sanjay Markad has once again asserted that Muslim traders will not be allowed to conduct business during this year’s yatra.

The resolution opposing Muslim traders was passed last year by a majority of 327 votes. Villagers have expressed the view that large-scale animal slaughter takes place during certain fairs and festivals. Although its extent has reduced, it is still said to occur to some degree. As these acts are allegedly carried out by members of the Muslim community, villagers believe that denying them permission to conduct business during the yatra is a justified step to protect the sanctity of the religious event.

“If it is ‘Sarva-Dharma-Samabhav’, then we too should be allowed to perform kirtan in mosques !” – Sarpanch Sanjay Markad

Sarpanch Sanjay Markad stated that the Gram Panchayat has consciously taken the decision not to grant permission to Muslim traders during the yatra period. The Kanifnath temple is regarded as a sacred place by the villagers. Repeated complaints had been received alleging that some Muslim traders enter the temple premises after consuming non-vegetarian food. According to villagers, such conduct is inappropriate within a temple precinct and hurts religious sentiments.

He further stated that if the principle of ‘Sarva-Dharma-Samabhav’ is to be upheld, then Hindus too should be granted permission to enter mosques and perform kirtan there. Markad clarified that the resolution has been passed solely to preserve local religious traditions and the sentiments of the villagers.

Editorial Perspectives

• Hindu pilgrimages are meant for attaining spiritual upliftment and Spiritual Chaitanya. Why should those who come merely for trade and who have no faith in Hindu Deities be given space there ?
• A community that tramples upon Hindu sentiments has no right over the money offered by Hindu devotees. Other Devasthan committees and Gram Panchayats should draw inspiration from Madhi and firmly resolve to preserve the sanctity of their own pilgrimage centres.