INDIA The Pushkar Fair, an occasion for meeting between religions

Until November 8, this world-famous event is celebrated in Ajmer (Rajasthan), as it is an expression of local culture. Among the initiatives of the fair there was a march that brought together representatives of different religions. P. Shekhawat: “An important sign of harmony.”

Ajmer () – The city of Ajmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is visited by hundreds of thousands of people these days for the Pushkar Mela. It is a world-famous fair, for being one of the most expressive moments of local culture. Originally, this event used to be a cattle fair, lasting eight days and accompanying the pilgrimage to Pushkar Lake, which culminates in the Karnik Purnima festival (which falls on November 8 this year).

In addition to religious fervour, the event includes cultural performances, spiritual walks, a sand art festival, a kite festival, etc. The performers take part in a religious procession and display the culture and colors of Rajasthan.

In this context, the idea of ​​proposing an interreligious prayer meeting, attended by people of all confessions, was very significant. Father Cosmos Shekawat, vicar general of the diocese of Ajmer and director of the diocese’s interreligious dialogue office, represented the Catholic Church.

“The Sarvadharm maitri sangh Ajmer (Ajmer Interfaith Fraternal Group),” Father Shekhawat explained to “gathered for a spiritual march on the occasion of kartik ekadashi, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The Holy Sites Department and the Ajmer civil authority organized this Yatra, which kicked off the Pushkar Mela. The Ajmer interfaith group was Specially invited for the interfaith prayer and spiritual march.In addition to Hindu personalities, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains were also present.Our group Sarvadharm maitri sangh Ajmer always attends religious services: it is a symbol of the communal harmony of the State of Rajasthan.”