In the city of Kashi, known as a center of religion and spirituality, a 483-year-old tradition, considered an example of harmony between Hindu and Muslim cultures (Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb) and interfaith unity, has been disrupted. During the Ramlila performances at the Laath Bhairav temple complex, verses from the Ramayana were recited simultaneously while representatives of the Muslim community performed the Maghrib prayer.
The joint observance of religious rituals by representatives of two faiths in the same complex has always been a unique feature of Kashi's communal harmony. However, this time, because members of the Muslim community did not appear to perform the prayer, members of the Ramlila organizing committee expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Members of the Ramlila committee stated that the cessation of attendance by the Muslim community for prayer led to the breaking of a long-standing tradition. The committee perceived this as a boycott of Ramlila and expressed regret. They emphasized that this tradition was not merely limited to a religious event but also served as a message of brotherhood and interfaith unity across the country, and its violation brought them sorrow.
The chief figure of Ramlila, Vyas Dayashankar Tripathi, reported that he has been associated with this Ramlila since the age of six and served as the Mahant of Shri Laath Bhairav temple for 47 years. He also participated in roles such as Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrugna in the Ramlila. According to Dayashankar Tripathi, this 483-year-old Ramlila is a symbol of Kashi's interfaith unity. The sight of Muslim community members performing prayers against the backdrop of Ramayana recitations represented an exceptional example of mutual respect. He expressed concern that the absence of Muslim community members this time might indicate a boycott of Ramlila, although independent confirmation of his concerns regarding any statements or directives from imams has not been received.
Speaking about the history of the Laath Bhairav temple complex, Dayashankar Tripathi noted that it is a very ancient place. According to him, after a legal case related to a dispute over the temple's territory, the temple side prevailed. In his assertion, the court's decision granted the Muslim community the right to perform prayers on the complex's premises on Eid and Bakrid days. He also mentioned the historical appearance of the temple, noting that, in his opinion, eight statues of Bhairav installed in eight 'khanas' around the temple were destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb.
The simultaneous recitation of the Ramayana and prayer during the Laath Bhairav Ramlila has long been regarded as a symbol of Kashi's shared culture and religious tolerance. The non-attendance of Muslim community representatives for prayer caused disappointment among the members of the organizing committee. The committee believes that such traditions strengthen mutual trust, respect, and brotherhood in society.
