Pune: In a heartwarming example of interfaith harmony, a Muslim businessman in Chinchwad, Pune, has been celebrating the Ganesh festival for the last two decades, embracing Hindu traditions with devotion and respect.

Alam Fattubhai Mulani, a local businessman has made it a tradition to welcome Lord Ganesha into his home during Ganesh Chaturthi, a practice they started in 2004 despite societal norms.

Alam Mulani lives in Kakade Park, Keshavnagar, Chinchwad, with his family. He had a love marriage with a Hindu girl in 2001, which gradually brought about a positive transformation in their household.

Over time, Mulani embraced Hindu customs, and what started as an interfaith union has blossomed into a unique blend of cultures.

Mulani shares that initially, their decision to install a Ganesha idol in their home met with resistance from relatives and friends. “In 2004, we decided to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi without worrying about what society would think. While it was difficult for our relatives and acquaintances to accept this at first, they eventually supported us,” says Mulani.

Today, Mulani observes many Hindu rituals with great dedication. “We have been observing Sankashti Chaturthi fasts for the past 20 years.

During the 10-day Ganesh festival, we perform aarti every morning and evening, prepare sweet dishes, distribute prasad to our entire neighborhood, and celebrate the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol with joy on the final day,” he adds.