Gadad family in Jakkali village, Gadag district has been worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Deepavali for the past 35 years
For the Namazi family, Lakshmi Puja has been a part of life for over 70 years. Moulasab Namazi, 52, who runs a tea shop, said the tradition was started by his father, the late Gaibusab Namazi, who opened the village’s first hotel. Another family carrying forward the tradition is that of 70-year-old puncture shop owner Kutubuddin Gadad. Though rooted in Islamic customs, the family has been performing Lakshmi Puja for the past 35 years.
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Our father’s aim was to promote communal harmony, and we continue to uphold that legacy,” he said. Ever since we started worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during Deepavali, we believe it has brought prosperity to our business,” he said. These families are a living example of communal harmony and an inspiration for future generations,” said local residents.
Gadag: While Deepavali is widely celebrated across India and increasingly recognised worldwide, including at the White House in the US, two Muslim families in Jakkali village of Gadag district have been observing the festival of lights for decades, keeping alive a unique tradition of communal harmony. “Our father invited villagers for Lakshmi Puja every Deepavali. We, his four sons, continue the practice in our grocery, tailoring and hotel businesses. Along with Islamic festivals such as Ramzan and Eid-Milad, we also celebrate Hindu festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi . “We began with a small bicycle repair shop and later expanded into servicing motorcycles and tractors. As Deepavali approaches, both families clean and decorate their shops with lights, flowers and traditional festoons. Idols of Goddess Lakshmi are installed and worshipped amid prayers led by Hindu priests. Family members, employees and traders associated with the businesses participate in the rituals and pray for prosperity and the well-being of the entire village. Villagers say the tradition is a matter of pride for Jakkali. “Religions may differ, but love, trust and humanity remain the same. Download the TOI App.