12 October,2015 06:46 AM IST | | Agencies
The village that made headlines over the lynching incident, came out and gave the perfect example of communal harmony with the wedding on Sunday
The villagers paid for the wedding expenses and even bought the basic utilities that formed part of the dowry
Bishada (UP): Dispelling rumours of communal tension and hatred, the Hindu community of Dadri's Bishada village came together on Sunday to organise a wedding for the daughters of a Muslim family.
The villagers paid for the wedding expenses and even bought the basic utilities that formed part of the dowry. Pics/PTI
The little village - which shot into national spotlight after a Muslim man was lynched to death by an angry mob over rumours of possessing beef - was seen rife with wedding fervour, quite different from the image that is being portrayed throughout the world. From arranging food to providing lodging for the relatives and friends of the wedding party, and even contributing to the dowry of the brides, the Hindu villagers did not spare any expense to ensure that the event was a merry one.
One of the groom's relatives expressed his surprise and delight at how the villagers were handling all the arrangements.
"The planning and preparation is unbelievable. Both Hindus and Muslims have come together to celebrate this wedding. Yes, I do admit that there was a hint of worry because of what had happened before, but after coming here and seeing what they have done for us, I have no doubts," he said.
"The villagers were part of the baraat and we hope they are there for the bidai too. There is no discrimination here. We are extremely happy that such good care is being taken of us," he added.
The locals of this village were seen working in unison to ensure a successful wedding, painting an entirely different picture from the communal warzone it has been touted as. Ramesh, one of the Hindu villagers, said he could not believe that Bishada was being portrayed as a violence-hit, communal strife zone and that this was far from the truth.
"Even before, there were no problems here. What happened with the unfortunate man was like a balloon exploding. It was momentary. There were some misconceptions among the kids and what followed was the result of temporary rage. All the elders here live in harmony and there has always been great cooperation amongst us," he said.
He determinedly added that it was the media and a never-ending parade of politicians who had blown the incident out of proportion. Through this wedding, the villagers here have sent a strong message to the nation and politicians that Bishada remains a strong, united haven for both Hindus and Muslims and that there is no divide and hatred of any sort.
