In Krishna's land, Muslims help in Janmashtmi preparations

Thousands of Muslims artisans in the region have been working round the clock to make countless bejewelled costumes and accessories for the idols of Krishna and other Hindu deities for the Janmashtami festival tomorrow.
The VHP's controversial yatra from Ayodhya has not had any impact as the Muslims join Hindus in preparation for the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth.
"We are working beyond our scheduled time in order to prepare maximum 'poshak' (dresses) of Thakur ji (Lord Krishna)," said Ikram, one of the artisans.
Another worker Iqbal, who is known for his expertise in preparing crowns for the idols, says he feels ecstatic whenever he comes up with a new design.

Preparing attractive dresses and accessories for idols has taken shape of a cottage industry in Mathura, Vrindaban and Goverdhan which employs roughly six thousand Muslim families.
"Since there is huge demand of 'poshak' of 'Laddu Gopal' (Krishna) on the occasion of Janmastami, so we have to work round the clock," Mohit Mukutwala, who owns a unit, said.

In many families, the womenfolk work on these dresses at their homes after they are provided the raw material, Vikas, who also runs a unit, said.
While it is another example of communal amity, the artisans say any communal tension elsewhere, including the controversial VHP yatra from Ayodhya on Ram temple issue which was banned by UP government, has never impacted the relationship between the two communities

"Only politicians directly or indirectly are associated in such activities. We work like a family here. There is no exploitation," said Azlan.
"Our relations have never been strained in spite of communal riots that have taken place elsewhere in the country," said his co-worker Zaheer.