Bengaluru, June 27 (IANS) Moharram, a festival symbolising communal harmony and brotherhood, was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm across several parts of Karnataka on Friday, with Hindus and Muslims coming together to participate in traditional processions and rituals.

In Dharwad district’s Mansur village, the festival witnessed vibrant celebrations as children danced enthusiastically to DJ music during the Moharram procession.

As part of the festivities, traditional folk performances, including Heggemela and Kolata, were organised.

The Panja idol was taken in a procession through various parts of the village, with children and devotees joining the celebrations.

Like every year, villagers observed the festival with devotion and unity.

In Gudenakatti village of Kundgol taluk near Hubballi, Moharram once again became a symbol of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.

Members of both communities jointly celebrated the festival with deep religious faith and mutual respect.

As part of the annual tradition, two ceremonial Dolis were specially prepared. One Doli bore the message “Ishwara Allah Nee Ne Ella” (God and Allah are One), along with an image representing Lord Ishwara, symbolising communal harmony. The second Doli featured an image associated with the Islamic faith. The Dolis were crafted by Dawal Saab Eligyar and Khadar Saab Jatiger.

On the final day of Moharram, the two Dolis were taken in a grand procession from the village mosques to the Government Higher Primary School grounds, where a special stage had been erected.

Devotees offered fruits, jaggery and sugar, praying for the fulfilment of their wishes.

The Dolis later visited homes across the village, where devotees offered jaggery and sugar as part of the traditional rituals.

Residents from neighbouring villages and people belonging to all faiths participated in the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Moharram was also celebrated with great devotion across Haveri district. In Shirabadagi village of Savanur taluk, hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the traditional “Ale Devaru” ritual on the concluding day of the festival.

As part of the unique custom, devotees heated iron objects in blazing embers, while those believed to be possessed by Ale Devaru walked across the burning fire. Hundreds of devotees watched the ritual with reverence, offered prayers for the fulfilment of their wishes and returned home after participating in the celebrations.

The festivities across Karnataka once again highlighted the state’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, with people from different faiths coming together to celebrate Moharram in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.

–IANS

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