Two faiths, one celebration: rain unites Hindu, Muslim weddings in Pune
Pune: “Only in India can something like this happen,” said members of two families whose children, one Hindu couple and one Muslim couple, got married on the same stage in Pune on Tuesday evening, turning a rain-disrupted wedding into a heartwarming celebration of unity and humanity.
The wedding of Sankruti Kawade and Narendra Galande was scheduled at Alankaran Lawns near the SRPF Grounds in Wanawadi. But as preparations were underway, heavy rains lashed the venue, halting the Hindu rituals and forcing guests to seek shelter.
Meanwhile, in a nearby covered hall, the Walima ceremony of Mohsin Kazi and Maheen—son and daughter-in-law of retired police officer Faruk Kazi—was taking place.
In a remarkable act of generosity and compassion, the Kazi family welcomed the disrupted wedding party into their venue. Not only did they vacate the stage, but their guests also helped set up for the Hindu rituals. Both weddings were conducted respectfully, back-to-back.
The families didn’t just share space—they shared emotions, food, and joy. The Kazis invited the Kawades to join in their wedding feast and even arranged space for their food. The joint celebration lasted well into the night.
“I saw their wedding was in trouble and I felt their pain. As a father, I knew what it must have meant to them. It was only natural to help,” said Faruk Kazi.
The sight of two newlywed couples, one Hindu and one Muslim, sharing the same stage symbolized more than just a coincidence—it became a moving reminder that in moments of chaos, compassion and togetherness still shine.
“This is the real India,” said both families with pride.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
