Hindu rozadaars sow seeds of bonhomie in city

ALLAHABAD: As the call for 'sehri' is heard from the mosques, Rajendra Gupta and Shankar leave their beds to perform the ritual of consuming food before observing roza. It's a tradition these two Hindus have maintained for past many years, in the true spirit of Ganga-Jamuni unity. Rajendra Gupta is a clerk in the central library of Allahabad University while Shankar is a peon in the university.
Like their Muslim brethren, they break roza in the evening. "We do not sip a drop of water during entire day. At the time of iftari we take vegetarian food," shared Rajendra. "My family is a staunch follower of Syed Salar Gazi Mian of Bahraich for the past three generations. Even my wife and the elder son keep roza," Gupta said. "Besides, my family also has faith in other Muslim saints like Poorakh Baba, Atile Baba, Parihar Baba, Bairana Baba and Sati Amana Bahen," he added. "I was quite surprised when I learnt that Rajendra Gupta keeps roza. But after getting aware of his dedication and devotion, we all have extended out cooperation to him," deputy librarian BK Singh said. Like Gupta, Shankar too believes in Gazi Mian. "Though I keep roza every alternate year, my family invites 21 persons for roza iftar on every Friday during Ramzan," Shankar said.