ALLAHABAD: In what's a fascinating example of the symbiotic culture of Uttar Pradesh , a Hindu family in the city has been holding 'majlis' (religious congregation) on the first 10 days of the Islamic month of Muharram to keep a promise made to a Muslim family at the time of Independence."We have been following this tradition to uphold the promise made to the Muslim owner of our house in Gud Mandi locality, who sold it to my grandfather Ram Murti Gupta before migrating to Pakistan at the time of Independence," said Anand Gupta, head of the third generation of this business family.He added that Hindu women as well as children of the locality dominated by Hindu families clean the place, attend the 'majlis' regularly and attentively listen to the story of martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad This devout Hindu family also performs 'azadari' to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husain. The family members start the day by cleaning and making arrangements for the 'majlis', which is held daily at the 'imambara' set up in the house."Although, I don't remember the name of the Muslim family, which migrated to Pakistan, the name of the locality is possibly named after him - Mis Kasim ka ahaata," Gupta added.During the 10 days of Muharram, 'majlis' is held daily at Gupta's house between 3pm to 4pm. Azadars of the locality assemble at the 'imambara' at the house and listen to the narration of Karbala tragedy.The entire expenditure incurred on the 10-day events are managed by the family and devouts of the locality. "As we have to offer 'tabarruk' (prasad), several people of the locality offer help... while some distribute biscuits, others come with chips, toffees, etc," said Gupta."We have been attending the 'majlis' at Gupta's 'imambara' for the last 30 years. We have great respect for the family's dedication in upholding the promise and observe the rituals which are always better than the previous year," said one Shahid Mazdoor, a resident of Daira Shah Ajmal.

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