In a country where religion is an extremely sensitive affair, and communal tensions can flare up at the drop of a hat, seldom do we hear of stories that place humanity over any other religion. The Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, largely known as the hub of Krishna (he was born in neighbouring Mathura), attracts lakhs of devotees each year, from all across the world. Yet, do you know that according to some reports, the ‘poshaks’ that Lord Krishna dons are made in a mosque? Yes, you heard that right!
Communal love
According to Dainik Bhaskar, in Vrindavan alone, there are around 40 factories making God’s clothes. Out of these, more than 10,000 muslims work day and night for that exquisite piece, that would don the holy Lord. According to the news portal, this work has been going on in Vrindavan for almost 50-60 years, and no one has ever had an issue. Not only Krishna, the ‘karigars’ also make costumes for Radha, and other Gods in the many temples across the city.
Love for God over everything else
According to these karigars, special care is taken while stitching costumes for God, including purity, and cleanliness. The karigars say that their main aim is to make Banke Bihari happy. They also said that while Krishna’s costume takes only 1-2 days, Radha Rani’s lehenga can take upto a week, and can cost anywhere between 8-10,000. One of the karigars said that not only in Vrindavan, their dresses are also imported to countries like the US, England, France, Japan, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia.
Temple authorities reject plea to ban dresses
As a follow up to the same, earlier this week, authorities at Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan dismissed a proposal seeking a ban on dresses made by Muslim weavers for Krishna. The administration clarified that no such change has been carried out.
Earlier, Dinesh Falahari, president of Shri Krishna Janambhumi Sangharsh Nyas, had submitted a memorandum to the temple authority, asking for a ban to be implemented on the same, saying that anyone who does not follow Thakur Ji’s religion, and is involved in making something for him, is committing a grave sin.
In response to the same, Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a member of the temple administration, told TOI, “We received a proposal to stop using ‘poshaks’ (attire) made by Muslim weavers. Our primary concern is to ensure purity and sanctity of the ‘poshaks’ offered to Thakurji. If members of the Muslim community have faith in Thakurji, we have no objection to accept ‘poshaks’ from them. Anyone is free to submit proposals.”
