As all eyes are riveted on the emotive Ayodhya issue, Muslim artisans here continue to make floral decorations for Hindu devotees as they have done for several generations and believe that the court verdict will not affect the ties between the two communities.
Weaving bonds of communal amity, around 15 Muslim families in the Asharfi Bhawan area of Ayodhya have been involved in making floral garlands and decorative offerings for Hindu devotees.
“We have been doing this for several generations. Muslims making garlands for Hindu gods and goddesses may be a strange thing for an outsider but not for residents of Ayodhya,” Abdul Qayyum, a Muslim artisan, said.
Mohammad Shafeeq, another Muslim artisan, says the work means much more to them and is not just a source of livelihood.
“It’s true, it is a source of livelihood for us, but you just can’t ignore the responsibility that comes along with it. We consider ourselves lucky as the almighty has assigned us the job of helping the devotees,” said Mohammad Shafeeq, another Muslim artisan.
Muslim families involved in the garland-making business earn around Rs 200-250 daily, but their income increases during festive seasons due to higher demand.
“Normally we have a fixed number of clients to whom we supply garlands and floral decorations. But whenever there is a Hindu festival, our daily income increases to around two times the average,” added Shafeeq.
Asked what they think about the verdict on Ayodhya issue in the long-pending title suit, Muslim artisans said irrespective of the outcome of the judgement they would continue with their business to help Hindu devotees.
“We just pray for peace and believe the judgement will not affect Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and unity,” Shafeeq added.
The Supreme Court had on Thursday deferred by a week the pronouncement of verdict in the Ayodhya title suits by the Allahabad high court.