Javed Akhtar/Kolkata

In an act symbolizing innate compassion in society, the largerly Muslim tranders organisation Jamaat-ul-Raeen of West Bengal organized the wedding of five Hindu women whose parents could not afford expenses for the event. The wedding ceremony was held at the Machhwa Phool Mandi of Kolkata.

Traders of the locality of Machhwa Phool Mandi closed their shops for this event. It may be mentioned that the wholesale flower market transacts business worth several lakhs in a day.

According to Muhammad Sohrab, the President of the Jamaat-ul Raeen, the event to support the wedding of women from poor families started last year.

Hindu couples tying the knot under separate canopies

He says that such events increase unity and cooperation in society. The expense of the wedding was borne by the organization through donations.

Muhammad Sohrab said, "We had been thinking of taking some positive steps for a long time to promote unity and collectivism in the society. Our organization includes Muslims as well as Hindu brothers, and we all together decided that we could help girls of poor families get married.”

Sheikh Sohrab said earlier that first the organisation decided to help Muslims but as inquiries also came from Hindus, it was turned into an inclusive event. He said the only criterion for the selection of the women to be married off was the economic condition of the family and not their religion.

The organization made all the arrangements for a wedding including gifting dowry for the Hindu brides, The dowry included the Bhagwat Gita, an almirah, a bed, a set of blanket, a shawl, a saree, a pair of sandals, utensils, and all the household items.

Locals curiously watching Hindu couples getting married

Apart from this, food was served to the bride and groom’s families. 

To maintain transparency, the organization released the names of five Hindu women and their grooms, who all belonged to different places.

Muhammad Sohrab said, "We respect people of all religions equally and it is important for us to promote unity and brotherhood in the society." Others who are actively in their initiative include Akram, Muhammad Mumtaz, Shahid Ahmad Khan, Bilal Ahmad, Aamir Ishtiaq, and Sanjay Sarkar.

ALSO READ: Kho Kho legend Nasreen Shaikh quits to make place for others

Sohrab said, “This is just the beginning and more such events will be organized soon as we aim to bring together different sections of society and help them by rising above their religion, caste, and creed.”