Rain Brings Unity: Hindu-Muslim Weddings Celebrate Together on One Stage in Pune

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While it may sound like the plot of a Bollywood movie promoting religious unity and compassion, this is a true story involving two couples from different faiths who exchanged vows at the same venue after relentless rains disrupted the original plans for one of the weddings.A touching story of harmony unfolded at Alankaran Lawns near the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) grounds in Wanawadi on Tuesday evening, as two families—one Hindu and one Muslim—joined together to celebrate their children’s weddings under one roof.The wedding of Sankruti Kawade and Narendra Galande was set for 6:56 PM at Alankaran Lawns. However, just as preparations for the Hindu rituals began, heavy rains suddenly poured down, forcing guests to scramble for shelter and halting the event.

Meanwhile, in a nearby covered hall, the Walima ceremony, part of a Muslim wedding celebration, was taking place for retired police officer Faruk Kazi’s son, Mohsin, and his bride, Maheen.Advocate Nilesh Shinde, a family friend of the Kawades, recounted, “Initially, we thought the rain would stop in 15 minutes, but it just kept pouring. As guests ran for cover, we noticed the covered hall next door and approached them, requesting permission to perform the Saptapadi (Hindu wedding ritual) indoors.”What followed was a remarkable act of generosity and unity. “They immediately spoke to their family and vacated the stage for us. Not only that, their family members and guests helped us set up for the ceremony.

Both rituals were conducted back-to-back, with full respect for each other’s traditions,” Shinde added.Sankruti’s grandfather, Santaram Kawade, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We had been planning this wedding for two months. Sankruti is very dear to us, and we wanted a grand celebration. But this was God’s will, and we’re thankful to the Kazi family for their kindness.”Chetan Kawade, the bride’s father, echoed this sentiment: “In a moment of chaos, the Kazi family didn’t hesitate to make space for our daughter’s important day. Two couples from different religions got married on the same stage—a beautiful moment of harmony.

This can only happen in India.”In a further gesture of goodwill, the Kazi family invited the Kawade family and their guests to join them for dinner and even designated space for the Kawade family’s food arrangements. The combined celebration of the two couples continued late into the night.Farooz Kazi shared, “Seeing their ceremony disrupted touched me deeply. I have a daughter too, and I understood their pain. It was only natural to help; she is like my daughter as well. We feel fortunate to have been part of such a meaningful occasion.”The image of two couples from different backgrounds sharing a single stage, surrounded by joy, respect, and unity, serves as a powerful reminder that compassion and togetherness still prevail in society.“This only happens in India,” both families remarked.