Pragya Shinde

On Ganesh Utsav every year, the idol of Lord Ganesha is installed inside the dargah of Sailani Baba in Sambhajinagar city in Maharashtra for the Hindus and Muslims to join the week-long celebration that began on September 6 this year.

The tradition that has been going on in the shrine located at the Sailani Nagar of the Padegaon area, 7 kms from the city, dates back 30 years. Interestingly, during the Ganesh Utsav, the Muslims carry on the Namaz and other prayers uninterrupted while both communities take part in Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

The tradition of installation of Ganesh in the compound of this dargah was started by Sailani Baba's devotee Sadguru Shankar Baba Pothikarji. The original dargah of Sailani Baba is in Buldhana area of ​​Maharashtra, which is also very famous.

Shankar Baba was a disciple of Sailani Baba and he made a replica of Sailani Baba's dargah in Padegaon where he was from. This gave a new energy to this area. Not only is

Sailani Baba's Urs is also celebrated at this dargah.

Women devotees at Sailani Baba shrine

The festival of Ganeshutsav is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and devotion by people of all religions and it offers a tradition of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Along with religious and cultural programs, programs promoting social harmony are also a part of this festival, which makes it even more special. People from different religions and castes come to this dargah of Sailani Baba with faith and devotion.

This dargah presents a perfect example of Hindu-Muslim unity in society, which further deepens the feeling of mutual respect and harmony in the hearts of the devotees coming here. 

Shankar Baba's followers were from different castes and religions and so were his Guru Sailani Baba. He always accepted this diversity with an open heart.

Taking forward the spirit of pantheism, he took the bold decision of installing Ganapati in Sailani Baba's dargah.

Sailani Baba dargah

This tradition, started 30 years ago, is still being carried out with the same reverence and devotion. This decision was very important at that time, as it sent a message of religious tolerance and harmony deep into society.

After the death of Shankar Baba, his Samadhi was also built in this dargah. Later, the Samadhi of his wife was also established here, due to which this place became an important religious pilgrimage site. 

Ganeshotsav has been celebrated here with great enthusiasm for the last three decades. Every year the idol of Ganesh ji is installed. On this occasion, people of different religions and communities enjoy the festival together. This place has now become a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, where both the worship of Lord Ganesha and Namaaz are done with full devotion at the same place.

This scene brings alive the spirit of pantheism, where a unique confluence of religious enthusiasm and unity is seen. The simultaneous aarti of Ganpati and Namaaz gives the message of tolerance and unity in the society. 

This Sailani Baba's Dargah has not only become a center of religious faith, it has also become a symbol of social harmony and tolerance. Here people of different religions follow their faith and set an example of unity. 

Pallavi Pothikar, who is Shankar Baba's daughter-in-law, says, "Shankar Baba had deep faith in Sailani Baba from the very beginning. Sailani Baba was a Muslim, so his dargah is here. Shankar Baba's samadhi is also located here, so all religions are respected here.

Hindu deities inside Dargah

On the dargah premises is also located a shrine of Lord Hanuman and Mahadev. Every Thursday, aarti of Sailani Baba is performed along with Ganpati, Datta, Mahadev (Lord Shiva)."

Pallavi says, "Devotees of all religions come to this place. Festivals of all religions are celebrated here. Like Ganeshotsav, we also celebrate the festivals of Kalika Mata and Tulja Bhavani Mata with great pomp here."

Anwar Pathan, a devotee visiting the dargah, says, "After visiting the dargah, one gets spiritual satisfaction. There is a statue of Ganeshji along with Baba's Samadhi. People of all religions come here. They celebrate every festival together. Sailani Baba's Urs is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm."

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On Thursdays, aarti, puja, and namaz of all religions are performed in this dargah. On this day, a special ritual of Shankar Baba is performed, after which aarti of all religions is performed at eleven o'clock. 

This dargah is looked after by both Hindus and Muslims. Social groups work to increase the rift in Hindu-Muslim relations for small reasons.