They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Rightly so.
A picture that has gone viral shows a group of Muslims offering Namaz inside a Ganapati pandal on Friday, the day of Bakra Eid.
1.Ganesh pandal allows Eid prayers. 2.Muslim family respects tradition of keeping Ganesh at home.
THIS is MY INDIA! pic.twitter.com/r2wLfF9ex9
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) September 26, 2015
So, why were Muslims offering prayers inside a Hindu temple?
According to reports, the Madrassa Rahamatiya Talimul Quran mosque, which is next to the Ganapati temple was so crowded, that many had to wait outside. The neighbourhood Ganapati pandal then decided to provide them with space, where they offered their prayers.
The Seva Sangh Ganeshotsav Mandal in Colaba claims that around 1300 Muslims offered prayers inside the Ganapati pandal on that day.
However, one of the members told DNA that this practice isn't new.
"During Ramzan four years ago, which coincided with the Ganesh festival, we had allowed Eid prayers inside the pandal. It may be that some people find this surprising, but it is entirely normal for us", he said.
In fact, Hindus also participate in the Muslim festivities.
On the occasion of Bakra Eid, a qawwali programme was organised in which Hindus participated. Later, Muslims performed aarti.
Recently, another image that went viral on Facebook, showed a group of people lining themselves on a road in Mumbai to offer namaz but ensuring that there is enough space for a procession carrying a Ganesh Idol to pass by.
The Hindu group, on their part silently crossed so as to not disturb the prayers of their Muslim brothers.
Contact HuffPost India