tnnGorakhpur: Mahewa fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Gorakhpur witnessed a display of communal harmony on Saturday as Hindu and Muslim traders came together to organise a grand bhandara on Saptami during Sharadiya Navratri.Organised by the Vyapari Pragati Sabzi Thok Vikreta Kalyan Samiti, the event aimed to serve food to around 20,000 people and spread the message of brotherhood and humanity. Committee’s general secretary Asif Ayyub said Hindu and Muslim traders at Mahewa Mandi had been conducting business together for years. Organising iftar during Ramzan and bhandaras during Navratri was part of their long-standing tradition of mutual respect and harmony.“We do not have separate identities when it comes to working together. We all conduct business as one community. Humanity is the greatest religion,” he said.Committee president Nabi Mohammad said the bhandara was being organised on such a large-scale during Navratri for the first time. The objective was not only to feed people but also to promote love, harmony and brotherhood in society.Committee member Kamlesh Kashyap said traders at Mahewa Mandi lived like members of one family and celebrated festivals together, irrespective of their religious backgrounds. According to the organisers, nearly 70% of traders at the market are Muslims. However, traders from all communities actively participate in one another’s religious and social events.
