Khaji prays at chariot festival in Karnataka
Khadri Sajjad Basha offered prayers during the Chennakeshava chariot fest in Belur of Hassan in Karnataka on Tuesday. (DC Image)
BENGALURU: After opposition from pro-Hindu organisations to reading the Quran during the Chennakeshava chariot fest held in Belur of Hassan district on Tuesday, Khaji Sajjad Basha was allowed to pray at the chariot fest by the officials concerned of the department of Muzrai and Endowment.
Being allowed to offer prayers, Khaji Sajjad Basha prayed at the chariot fest by standing at the steps of the Chennakeshava Temple and later he said he did not read the Quran but offered prayers as per the customs. As a mark of respect, Temple authorities offered rice and money as per the Temple customs to Khadri.
The chariot fest drew hundreds of devotees and police had tightened the security. Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar was present at the spot supervising the security arrangements to thwart any untoward incidents.
A few activists of pro-Hindu organisations such as Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad have demanded an end to the Muslim offering prayers at the chariot fest.
A Hindu activist Raghu Sakleshpur told Deccan Chronicle that “There is no need to include anything that has not been mentioned in the manual of the Muzrai department.” Raghu said owing to their efforts many things which were not part of the manual have been stopped now.
