“I had a strong desire to feed people, just like it happens in Vaishno Devi,” Mohammed Tahir`s eyes welled up with emotion as he spoke. “It is Her grace that enables me to conduct a 10-day Bhandara with dal, chawal, and bhaji. Ek shakti hai jo kaam karti hai,” said Mohammed Tahir, a dedicated labour contractor who has been orchestrating the Durga Puja pandal each season in Vakola.

Jai Mata Di Sarvajanik Navratra Utsav Mandal is a Durga Puja pandal that holds a special place in the heart of Mumbai`s Vakola. It has been organised by the Muslim couple Mohammed Tahir and his wife Zubeda for more than 40 years. What sets it apart is not its celebrity visitors or extravagant decorations, but the bedrock of faith, devotion and the symbol of true dedication that transcends religious boundaries.

Their journey began when Zubeda had a vivid dream that conveyed a message from Goddess Durga. Upon sharing her dream with her husband, he motivated her to visit the Durga temple in Chembur and pay homage to the deity. Deepening their devotion, the couple embarked on the remarkable journey of organising a Durga Puja pandal in their community and recreating a Bhandara reminiscent of their experiences at Vaishno Devi.

“My family and I have been to Vaishno Devi numerous times,” Zubeda proudly stated, her face radiant with happiness while engrossed in her preparations for Durga Puja. Whether it`s adjusting garlands or cleaning the aarti stand, Zubeda`s hands are always busy, assisting the Panditji with the puja preparations on the first day of Durga Puja this Navratri 2023. Each year, their Hindu friend, Laxman Sajnani, facilitates the Puja proceedings.

Laxman Sajnani shared, “For 45 years, I have been organising this event. Every year, I come and conduct the Puja on his behalf, providing any assistance required.”

This Durga Puja pandal, nestled in the heart of Mumbai, stands as a beacon of religious harmony. Numerous people have rallied to support Tahir and Zubeda`s initiative, which Zubeda attributes to the grace of Goddess Durga. She passionately stated, “Nothing happens unless she wills it. Only her desires come to fruition. Not long ago, we lacked the resources for the Bhandara, but a kind soul arrived with grains and urged us to prepare food for everyone.”

However, the road to devotion has not been without its trials. In a world where their unwavering commitment might be misconstrued as religious infidelity, Zubeda and Tahir endured a harrowing attack by a group of both Muslim and Hindu individuals. The attack left Tahir with over 200 stitches on his body, and Zubeda`s fingers were brutally mutilated.

Yet, this ordeal only fortified their faith in Goddess Durga. Zubeda remarked, “She is the source of our courage.”

The concept of religious freedom is a notion that many grapple with. Tahir and Zubeda have ensured that their children are empowered to make their own choices. Zubeda passionately expressed, “We have taught our children to follow their hearts. If they wish to worship Jesus, they can. If they want to worship Allah, it`s equally welcomed. If they want to worship Durga Devi, it`s no different. Our children embrace all religions, and we do the same.”

In a world often divided by religious differences, the story of Mohammed Tahir and Zubeda stands as a testament to the power of faith, unity and the idea that devotion knows no boundaries. Their dedication to organising Durga Puja pandal for over four decades enhances the enduring spirit of religious harmony and secular beliefs, reminding us all that love and devotion can transcend any label.

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