A devout Muslim named Mohammed Meher Siddiqui has shown his love for Lord Ganesh and the Ganesh festival, setting an example of unity in Hyderabad. Siddiqui, also known as “Ramnagar Siddiqui,” has been involved in the Ganesh festival since 2007 when he prayed to Lord Ganesh to solve his personal problems. Since then, he has been installing the Ganesh idol every year, with the size of the idol increasing over time.
Siddiqui and his group of 100 friends organize the festival without seeking donations from the public. They contribute among themselves to come up with the best plan and attract people from all parts of the city with different themes each year. They make sure not to compromise on anything, offering a 369 kg laddu and taking up pooja twice a day. Saturdays and Sundays are special with a maha Aarati and Annadanam organized.
The pandal has gained popularity through social media, and this year, they plan to have a grand immersion program by inviting Aghoris and Pune Dhol Tasha Pathak. Siddiqui believes that no religion teaches differences and that even his Muslim friends visit and enjoy their pandal. He advises the youth not to be influenced by provocative comments from political leaders and emphasizes the unity in celebrating both Hindu and Muslim festivals.
