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about Lucknow.
Lucknow
as a city is secular by all ways. A city that has had a
history of peaceful co-existence of all religions and
faiths, since the times immemorial Lucknow has proven to
the world that even in the most turbulent of situations
a city with diversity can be peaceful.
This
is a city where temples have been constructed by
Muslims and Mosques by Hindus. Where Chikan Embroidery
is crafted by Muslims and sold by Hindus. Hindu and
Muslim festivals both are cross-celebrated with same
enthusiasm and respect and at times one can find Muslims
better enjoying colours on Holi and Hindus mourning
during the month of Muharram. Nawab Wajid-Ali-Shah can
be termed as a true appreciator of Kathak and a director
of a ballad depicting a Hindu God - Lord Krishna dancing
with innumerable Gopis (young village girls).
It
is also said once Muharram (mourning festival of
Muslims) coincided with a Holi (Hindu festival of
colours), so the Hindus as a mark of respect and
tolerance decided not to rejoice during Holi. To the
astonishment of Hindu subjects Nawab Asif-ud-Daula after
attending a mourning meeting played Holi himself to show
his concern for the Hindus in the province of Oudh.
Aliganj
Mahavir Temple was built by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula's
mother. Nawabs had great faith in Lord Hanuman and
during their reign killing of monkeys (incarnation of
Lord Hanuman) was a congnisable offence. It is said that
at times when some odd cynic fired at the monkeys, he
faced a death penalty. The Nawabs wholeheartedly
endorsed Hanuman-worship and their Begums (wives) had
profound faith in him, is further confirmed by the
presence of another Hanuman Temple of Nawabi era that
was constructed by the mother of Nawab Sadat Ali Khan.
On the occasion of 'Bada Mangal' Hindu devotees are
offered cool drinks and snacks on the way to the temple
by Muslims and other devout citizens of Lucknow.
Raja
Jhaulal was a Hindu, who was in-charge of the Royal
Stable. He constructed an Imambara which is named after
him. It is a memorial to the religious amity of that
period. Raja Jhaulal also traveled for an Islamic
pilgrimage to Iraq, which unfortunately proved to be his
last journey.
On
the bank of river Gomti there lies a Mosque sharing a
common wall with a temple. The bells of the temple and
the call of the mosque go together.
There
are innumerable places that live as an example for
'Unity in Diversity' and each spine chilling incident
such as the demolition of Ayodhya Mosque proves a
testimony to the fact that Lucknow is peaceful as a
dove.
Today
this city is spared of any terrorism or communal clash
as citizens know how to live in harmony and away from
the instigating designs of politicians. Lucknow lives in
unity..............
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