Bikaner's Three-Decade Tradition: Muslim Community Recites Urdu Ramayana Before Diwali In Bikaner, members of the Muslim community recite the Ramayana written in Urdu ahead of Diwali, sustaining a 30-year-old tradition that celebrates communal harmony. Diwali is traditionally celebrated as the festival of lights, conveying the timeless message of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, yet Bikaner witnesses a unique hue of the festival that transcends religious boundaries to spread mutual love, harmony, and brotherhood. Ahead of Diwali every year, members of the Muslim community gather to read the Ramayana written in Urdu. Running successfully for nearly 30 years, this distinctive tradition has transformed into a hallmark of Bikaner's composite culture. People from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds participate together in this cultural observance, listening attentively to the verses of the Ramayana. Joint Cultural Initiative This cultural event is organized jointly by the Tourism Writers Association and the Mahfil-e-Adab institutions. Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan Qadri notes that this tradition originated around 25 to 30 years ago through the inspiration of Advocate Updhyan Chandra Kochhar. Ever since that time, the tradition of reciting the Urdu Ramayana has been observed annually prior to Diwali. Since the year 2012, the Urdu Ramayana has been recited on a regular basis as part of this gathering. The Legacy of Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnawi The most striking aspect of this gathering is that the Urdu Ramayana being recited shares a deep historical connection with the soil of Bikaner. Back in 1935, the renowned Urdu poet from Lucknow, Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnawi, was living in Bikaner. During that period, he was employed as an Urdu and Persian translator at the court of Maharaja Ganga Singh of the Bikaner princely state. Creation Through Dedication and Study Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan Qadri explains that during that era, Banaras Hindu University organized a competition inviting poetic compositions of the Ramayana in various mother tongues. A Kashmiri Pandit friend and disciple of Rana Lakhnawi requested him to compose the Ramayana in Urdu. Initially, Rana Lakhnawi was not well-versed in the narrative of the Ramayana. Consequently, his friend introduced him to the stories and episodes of the Ramacharitamanasa. Following this, Rana Lakhnawi read and understood the epic, dedicating roughly three months of rigorous effort to compose the Ramayana in Urdu verses. A Nine-Page Masterpiece and Gold Medal This composition by Rana Lakhnawi is considered remarkable for its conciseness and literary elegance. Encompassing just nine pages, the Urdu Ramayana features 27 stanzas, with each stanza containing six lines. Roughly three months after the work was completed, word arrived from Banaras Hindu University that his Urdu Ramayana had secured first place nationwide in the competition. He was honored with a gold medal for this achievement. Recognizing the significance of this literary work, Maharaja Ganga Singh reportedly had it included in the eighth-grade curriculum. A Century Later, Bonds Remain Strong Today, nearly a century later, Rana Lakhnawi's work continues to bring people together. Individuals from both communities participate with deep reverence and enthusiasm in the pre-Diwali event. Following the recitation of the Ramayana, everyone partakes in the prasadam together, reinforcing the enduring spirit of communal harmony in the region. What this means for you This long-standing tradition fosters deep social cohesion and mutual respect between different communities at the local level. • In Bikaner: Residents from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds gather to participate in the cultural reading, strengthening local community bonds. • Across India: The event serves as a shining example of composite culture and interfaith harmony that can inspire similar cultural exchanges nationwide. Why this happened The establishment of this tradition stems from historical literary collaborations and cultural initiatives rooted in Bikaner's royal past. • Literary Competition: The creation was prompted by a competitive call from Banaras Hindu University for poetic adaptations of the Ramayana. • Royal Patronage: The author, Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnawi, served as an Urdu and Persian translator under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. • Community Initiative: The public reading tradition was initiated roughly three decades ago through the encouragement of local advocates and cultural associations. Questions & Answers 1. How old is the tradition of reciting the Urdu Ramayana in Bikaner? The tradition has been running for approximately 30 years. 2. Who composed the Urdu Ramayana? It was composed by the renowned Lucknow-based Urdu poet Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnawi. 3. In which year was the Urdu Ramayana composed? It was composed in the year 1935 while the poet was residing in Bikaner. 4. What was Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnawi's profession in Bikaner? He worked as an Urdu and Persian translator for Maharaja Ganga Singh of the Bikaner princely state. 5. What recognition did the Urdu Ramayana receive? It secured first place nationwide in a competition organized by Banaras Hindu University and won a gold medal. 6. How many pages and stanzas does this Urdu Ramayana contain? The work spans just nine pages and contains 27 stanzas in total. Inspiration & Lessons The journey behind the Urdu Ramayana offers valuable lessons in artistic dedication, cultural appreciation, and unity. • Transcending Boundaries: Literature, poetry, and art can successfully bridge divides between different religious and cultural backgrounds. • Dedication to Learning: Thorough research and genuine effort can help master complex subjects outside one's immediate familiarity. • Preserving Heritage: Sustaining community traditions over decades nurtures lasting social harmony and mutual respect. https://trendkia.com/en/religion/bikaner-s-three-decade-tradition-muslim-community-recites-urdu-ramayana-before-diwali-57485 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.