Muslims in JandK use Iftar dinner to initiate steps to communal harmony

Muslims here took a step in promoting communal harmony by inviting guests from various communities for their Iftar dinner yesterday.

Holding Iftar dinners jointly across communities is a tradition that is reviving in Jammu and Kashmir, after it was lost during its years of heavy insurgency and militancy. The state has been relatively stable in recent times.

"We used to celebrate the Iftar party together in the month of Roza but due to the some circumstances this tradition was scarcely followed but, by the grace of god, the circumstances have improved and like the olden times we are again celebrating this with the spirit of brotherhood," said Khazir Muhammad, a local resident, professor, and attendee of the dinner.

Surjeet Singh, a Sikh resident of the city, said that the occasion was one of great joy as people of various religious communities had come together.

"It is a matter of great joy that we have all come together. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh's we have all come together to sit down for this Iftar meal and I hope and pray to god that our love and friendship with each other continues to remain strong," said Singh.

The holy month of Ramzan is typically celebrated with large evening banquets, where families gather to break their day long fast after sunset and offering evening prayers, Magrib, followed by an Iftar dinner.

Eid will be celebrated on August 8 and August 9 this year.