MANOJ SINHA
Ramgarh, March 29: Manzoor Khan, 72, a resident of Lari village in Ramgarh district, holds the license for the Ramnavmi procession in accordance with a local tradition of giving such licences to a Muslim.
Chitarpur is a sensitive area of Ramgarh district and adjacent to village Lari, but the area has set an example of communal harmony because of the tradition of giving a licence to a Muslim. Earlier, the licence was issued in the name of Manzoor Khan’s father late Ismayal Khan. After his death, Manzoor Khan took up the task and during the last few years, the licence has been issued in his name.
“I apply to Rajrappa police station for the licence and the deputy superintendent of police’s office issues it. At first we organise a meeting of villagers and they give the work to me. At once, the licence is issued for two and a half panchayats,” he said.
He said, “Once only a single Muslim family of my forefathers was living in Lari village and so the villagers used to select my father for taking the Ramnavmi procession licence. I celebrate all Hindu festivals with the villagers.”
The license of the Ramnavmi procession in the area is issued in his name and he leads the procession not only for Ramnavmi but also for other religious festivals like Durga Puja, Kali Puja. He has always maintained a record of communal harmony. The tradition to get Ramnavmi Procession in the name of a Muslim community man has kicked off years ago.
The story and work of Manzoor Khan are famous throughout Jharkhand. Some time ago, he had to face a little problem from both the Hindu and Muslim communities but with the help of one God belief, he managed everything.
This year the Ramnavmi procession with a grand celebration will be organised at Lari. Manzoor is busy again with lots of enthusiasm. The entire village has worn a Ramnavmi loot and he is the leader of the entire program. All villagers are supporting him. A few Muslims are also busy with him celebrating this memorable festival. Mahaveeri flags are waving and Festival songs are being played in the village.
“As long as I am alive I will organize the procession. I hope my sons will also follow this tradition of their forefathers. They are busy with me to celebrate Ramnavmi in the village,” he added.
