BHOPAL : Cutting across religious lines, people participated in “Patang Utsav” in Bhopal on Makar Sankranti. They distributed til-ladoos and greeted each other on this occasion. A kite-flying competition was organised at Mandakini ground on Kolar Road.
Patang Utsav Samiti president Vijay Shankar Dixit said, “We have started this tradition, which sends out the message of communal harmony. Hindu, Muslims, Christians all participate in kite flying programme and greeted each other on Makar Sankranti.”
Not only this, there is a special tradition in this kite-flying fest wherein Muslim participants bring sesame and Til Ke Laddoo from their homes and share them with Hindus and people from other religious backgrounds. These Laddoos are considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti according to Hindus.
We have been following this tradition for the past 19 years. Most of our participants in this competition are Muslims. Our idea is to fly high together in unity,” said Vijay Shankar Dixit, organiser of “Patang Utsav”.
Dixit said, “It is healthy culture which we should promote at wide sectors of the society because people of all religions live together. If they live together, why they should celebrate festival and participate in cultural activities. People of other religions too encourage such practice as it strengthens the social fabrics.”
