While the world rages over Octopus Paul, it is a peacock that is attracting crowds in Bulandshahr district. The peacock in question may not possess astrological powers but it is being looked upon as a messenger of god. The peacock arrives in a local mosque in Borghasi village every day and dances while others offer namaaz.
“The peacock was first seen in the mosque around two-years-ago. It comes here on time and dances elegantly till the namaaz is over. The manner in which it dances with its plumes spread out, makes it look like a dance of devotion. There is a definite spiritual quality about it,” says Maulana Rehman, a cleric in the mosque.
The peacock — now referred to as “Ooperwale ka parinda (the bird of Allah)” — has emerged as a centre of attraction and people are pouring in to the village to see it dance.
“It begins dancing just before the scheduled time of the namaaz and stops dancing after the prayers are over. Irrespective of the weather, the bird arrives on time and dances,” says Abdul, a regular visitor at the mosque.
The local people now take ample care of the bird and feed it regularly.
“We have cut off the long grass around the mosque to ensure that there are no snakes or other reptiles that could harm the peacock. Even children have learnt to shoo away stray dogs that sometimes bark at the bird,” said Qadir Khan, a resident.
Local villagers also believe that the village has been “blessed” ever since the peacock arrived here. “The crime graph has gone down and local disputes get resolved within no time. Communal harmony has spread and everyone finds himself at peace. This is the miracle of the peacock,” adds Qadir.