Muslim community sets up a community kitchen for Amarnath pilgrims
Jul 29, 2019
Jammu (J&K), July 29 (ANI): ‘Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna, Hindi hain Hum, Watan Hindostan Hamara’ meaning Religion doesn’t teach us to keep ill-will among ourselves, We are of Hind, our homeland is Hindustan.These lines resounded high in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, when the Muslim community organised a lanagar service or community kitchen for the Amarnath Pilgrims in Jammu.Braving the weather conditions, they first welcomed their Hindu brethren by putting garlands around their neck and then served Kheer, a rice pudding to them. Following the concept of “Atithi Devo Bhavah”, which means Guest is God, many Muslims across Jammu & Kashmir, have been organizing such langar service for the last many years, spreading the message of unity and brotherhood. In such community kitchens, it’s not just food that is served to the pilgrims but also love and compassion, which they will relish for their entire life. Pilgrimage to Amarnath cave is an annual practice and usually takes place in the month of July and is believed to instill purity in devotees’ mind. Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, at an altitude of 3,888 m this cave is believed to be an adobe of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, making it as one of the most pious site among the Hindus. As pilgrims have to cover a long distance during the pilgrimage, scores of Muslims from a hugechunk of service providers, facilitate them by offering their services as workers, pony-wallas, Palanquin-bearers and much more. They even set up several community Kitchens in the way, like the one in Jammu so that the pilgrims do not remain hungry and they have a comfortable journey. The way Muslim community has been playing its part to ensure a safe and secure journey to the pilgrims for the last several years has made them the soul of the Amarnath pilgrimage.
