Prayagraj: On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, all Chowkiyas (tableaux) were given prizes by Shagun Group. This heartening tradition is highly visible in Allahabad, where local Muslim groups and traders associations pool resources to honor the festival’s processions. Muslim traders and community members frequently sponsor and award prizes to Vijayadashami (Dussehra) and Durga Puja tableaux in Sangam City, serving as a powerful symbol of the country’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (communal harmony). Prominent Muslim traders and local community members in the city’s historic neighborhoods actively sponsor puja committees and support festive processions. They honor local artisans and the organizers of spectacular festive tableaux with shields, shawls, and cash awards during Vijayadashami celebrations.

Key Aspects of the Tradition:

The “Shagun” Protocol: Prominent Muslim trader Mohammad Akram “Shagun,” and local community leaders actively support neighboring puja committees. During the grand Vijayadashami street processions, they organize welcoming stages along the route.

Rewarding Artisans: To honor the creativity and labor behind the spectacular festive tableaux, these community groups hand out shields, ceremonial shawls, and cash awards directly to the local artisans and organizers.

A Symbol of Harmony: This mutual participation serves as a strong real-world example of India’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (the traditional composite culture and interfaith harmony).

In addition to sponsorship, Muslim artisans have centuries-old legacies in these festivals, often serving as the primary craftsmen who design and construct the massive effigies of Ravana burned during the Ravan Dahan ceremonies.

This gesture is part of a long-standing tradition of mutual participation in religious festivals across Sangam City.  Businessman Mohammad Akram “Shagun,” a prominent trader and social worker visits the pandal every evening with his family and friends and helps with the preparations. “Honoring the traditions of another community does not lessen our own beliefs. Festivals gain significance when individuals join in collectively and honor one another’s beliefs,” stated Akram.

Akram has been connected to the puja committee’s events, recognizing members with the ‘Shagun Gaurav Samman’. He and his companions have honored craftsmen from Kolkata engaged in the puja arrangements with shields and shawls. He additionally gives out awards during ‘Hathoda Barat of Chowk’ and ‘Muggdar Barat’ of Daraganj, customary parades that take place prior to Holi.