India, despite of all its complications, remains the most secular country ever existed.
Every Indian belongs to a different caste,religion,race,and era, but regardless of all the differences we Indians have, we all are Indians when it comes to our country and we have proved this on numerous occasions in the past and the present time.
We have our differences, in religious beliefs, cultures, traditions,and most importantly festivals.
Every Indian is celebrated with the same enthusiasm irrespective of their religious mythological roots and this is how we have maintained the status of ‘Secular state’ well so far.
There are similar cultural traditions in India which are a great example of ‘secular unity’ which spreads the message of love and brotherhood, naming one such popular tradition “Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb,” a term used for the culture of the central plains of Northern India.
What is ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’? ‘Ganga-jamuni tehzeeb’ is an amalgamation of the different religions of India mostly Hindu and Islam in the absence of intolerance about the cultural/religious practices of the communities.
At times when the negative elements of the society tried to disturb the peace with slogans like 'garv se kaho hum Hindu hain' and 'garv se kaho hum Musalman hain' those believing in Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb replied with slogans like 'garv se kaho hum insaan hain'.
The broader idea is to present a composite culture which means while preserving their own culture, religious identities should participate freely in the customs and traditional practices of other religion. Our national identity should always remain the primary identity, our religion is our personal identity not our national identity, and every festival whether it is eid, diwali, muharram, or holi should be celebrated with same love
Azadari in the "Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb" of Varanasi is one of the Historic example prevailing even today, joint observance of Muharram is the most conspicuous example of this cultural and religious harmony which is reflected in Hindus participating in Tazia processions and paying homage to Imam Husain, the martyr of Karbala tragedy. Muharram is the first month of Hijri era. But, the month is better known for tragedy of Karbala, On the ninth day of Muharram the Tazias, the replicas of Mazar of Imam Husain in Karbala, made of paper and bamboo sticks are kept at Imam Chauks and also on Chabutaras (platforms) of Hindu devotees. The Muslims as well Hindus keep night vigil. (Source:News on air)
The recent example can be the display of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb in Hyderabad when Muslims actively participated in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations despite of the past full of Hindu-muslim communal hatred.
At the end, no matter how much the negative elements of the society try to break the secular unity of India, there will always be people who will put their nationality first, giving us reasons to pride on them.
Many of the renown media houses have taken the initiative to connect all Indians irrespective of caste and religion, An appreciable step that is defining the real meaning of brotherhood. These media houses include ZEE News, Punjab Kesari, India Today, IBN7
Many of the renown media houses have taken the initiative to connect all Indians irrespective of caste and religion, An appreciable step that is defining the real meaning of brotherhood. These media houses include ZEE News, Punjab Kesari, India Today, IBN7
