• Source:PTI
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A mosque in Maharashtra, has hosted Lord Ganesh’s idol during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival for the past 44 years, showcasing communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The tradition, which began in 1961, involves the New Ganesh Mandal celebrating the festival inside the mosque in Gotkhindi village of Sangli district .

Ilahi Pathan, president of the mandal, shared that both communities enthusiastically participate in the festival every year. The practice started when heavy rains led local Muslims to invite their Hindu neighbours to place the idol inside the mosque, as explained by Ashok Patil, a former president of the mandal.

Although the tradition was interrupted for some years, the New Ganesh Mandal, formed in 1980, revived it and it has continued ever since. Patil emphasised the significance of the practice, stating that it has strengthened relations between the two communities.

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Majid Jamadar, another former president, echoed the importance of unity and harmony. Additionally, members of the mandal highlighted that festivals like Muharram, Diwali and Eid are also celebrated together in Gothkhindi, located 32 km from Sangli city.

This year, the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival took place from September 7 to 17, with idols of Lord Ganesh being immersed on the final day.