While some people are busy dividing society on religious grounds, an incident in Pune has set a remarkable example of religious harmony and humanity. When heavy rain disrupted a Hindu couple’s wedding, a Muslim family not only opened their doors but also shared their stage, allowing both communities to complete their wedding rituals together. This heartwarming incident took place on Tuesday evening near Alankaran Lawns in Pune’s Wanowrie area, reflecting India’s spirit of unity and brotherhood.
On Tuesday evening, preparations for two separate community wedding ceremonies were in full swing at Alankaran Lawns. On one side, Hindu couple Sankriti Kawade and Narendra Galande were ready to perform their wedding rituals at the scheduled auspicious time of 6:56 PM, preparing to take the seven vows to bind their lives together. However, the weather suddenly turned, and heavy rain disrupted the entire event. Chaos erupted at the open-ground ceremony, with the rain so intense that the rituals had to be halted, leaving the families distressed.
Meanwhile, in a nearby covered hall, a Muslim family was celebrating the walima (post-wedding reception) of their son Mohsin and daughter-in-law Mahin. The family, led by retired police officer Farooq Qazi, learned of the Hindu family’s plight. Without any hesitation, they decided to share their space. They invited the Hindu couple to their stage and allowed both ceremonies to take place together.
A member of the Hindu family shared, “We requested the Qazi family to let us use their hall for some time so we could complete the ‘saptapadi’ ritual. Not only did they agree, but their guests also helped us prepare the stage for our rituals.” During this time, both communities fully respected each other’s traditions. The Hindu couple completed their rituals, and afterward, both families enjoyed a meal together. The newlyweds—Sankriti-Narendra and Mahin-Mohsin—posed for pictures together on the same stage, creating a memorable moment of this unique occasion.
Sankriti’s uncle, Sanjay Kawade, recalled the incident, saying, “What started as a weather-related inconvenience turned into a beautiful moment of unity and interfaith harmony. This was truly a ‘only in India’ moment.” The Qazi family’s generosity not only brought the two families closer but also set an example for the entire community.
This incident holds even greater significance at a time when news of religious tensions often dominates headlines. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center report, 84% of Indians believe that respecting all religions is an essential part of national identity. This incident in Pune brings that sentiment to life. Both families not only shared their joy but also sent a powerful message that humanity transcends all religions.
The news of this incident quickly went viral on social media. It serves as a reminder that India’s true strength lies not just in its diversity but in the unity that binds this diversity together. That day, the raindrops not only soaked the earth but also brought the hearts of two communities closer together.
