PESHAWAR: As the golden hues of sunset settle over the historic city of Peshawar, a quiet yet powerful gesture unfolds daily in the bustling lanes of Hashtnagri bazaar where foods are shared for joint Iftar parties. Forty-five-year-old Rawandar Singh, wearing his traditional turban, stands beside neatly packed dates and freshly fried pakoras by distributing it among Muslims at Hastnagri bazzar, showing great spirit of friendship and interfaith harmony. Moments before Iftar, he pulled down the shutter of his mobile accessories shop and with gentle determination, he distributes iftar items among fasting Muslims heading home. APP
\nFor more than a decade, Rawandar has continued this act of kindness that was a tradition inherited from his late father, Awtah Singh.
\n\u201cI feel inner peace and satisfaction while continuing this noble tradition throughout the 30 days of Ramazan,\u201d Rawandar told APP. \u201cI still remember my father handing out food especially dates and pakoras from Hashtnagri to Mohalla Jogan Ramdas. Those moments remain fresh in my heart even today.\u201d
\nNow assisted by his young son, Rawandar sees the act not merely as charity, but as a heartfelt tribute to harmony, peace and mutual coexistence.
\n\u201cIt strengthens bonds of love and brotherhood,\u201d he said with a warm smile, greeting passersby who respond with equal affection moments before iftar.
\nA tradition of shared compassion
\nIn the same locality, Dewa Singh and his son Tajindar Singh who run a telecommunications business organize daily iftar arrangements for dozens of fasting Muslims.
\n\u201cInviting people of different faiths to iftar sends a strong message of love and friendship to the world,\u201d they said. \u201cWithout winning hearts and minds, we cannot build a society where everyone enjoys equal rights and respect.\u201d
\nFor their family, the tradition stretches back generations which is a legacy rooted in solidarity with Muslim neighbours during the holy month.
\nAs the sun dips behind the towering Koh-e-Sufaid mountains and the Maghrib Azan echoes across the city, long sheets are spread along busy roads for roadside iftars.
\nPlates of dates, pakoras, jalebi, fruits, sweet drinks and traditional delicacies are carefully arranged by philanthropists at various locations at Hashtnagri, Namak Mandi, Lady Reading Hospital and historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar where strangers sit shoulder to shoulder, enjoying shared meal that transcends religious identity.
\nBeyond its spiritual significance for Muslims, Ramazan has evolved into a living symbol of interfaith harmony and social cohesion.
\nAcross the city from Qissa Khwani Bazaar to University Road, Takhto Jumat, Mohabat Khan mosque, General Bus Stand and Ramdas roadside mass iftars draw laborers, shopkeepers, travelers and families from diverse backgrounds.
\nThe colourful spread of dahi bhallay, chappal kebab, polao, rice dishes and sweet beverages reflects not only culinary richness but communal unity.
\nHaroon Sarbdayal, a representative of the Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and founding member of the Pakistan Council of World Religions, believes Ramazan provides a powerful platform for strengthening interfaith bonds.
\n\u201cAll prophets and founders of religions promoted peace, forgiveness, patience and love,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we must promote acceptance along with tolerance as acceptance builds durable peace.\u201d
\nHe shared that the Hindu community also arranges iftar gatherings during Ramazan and plans to host a grand interfaith iftar in the last Ashra of the holy month in Peshawar, inviting leaders from all religions.
\n\u201cDialogue and interaction can remove misperceptions among followers of different faiths,\u201d he added, suggesting the establishment of common study centers at universities to encourage understanding and mutual respect.
\nMaulana Tayyab Qureshi, Central Khateeb KP, described interfaith harmony as the foundation of a peaceful society.
\n\u201cInviting one another to iftar cements bonds of friendship and brotherhood among people of all religions,\u201d he said.
\nHe referred to the historic Charter of Medina, which granted religious freedoms and laid down principles of interfaith harmony and mutual coexistence.
\n\u201cIts teachings remain relevant today for ensuring lasting peace,\u201d he noted.
\nCalling charity a core component of Islam particularly significant during Ramazan, he urged people to donate responsibly through reputable organizations so contributions reach those most in need.
\nAs the Maghrib Azan signals the end of the fast, hands rise in prayer and dates are shared across faith lines in Peshawar bazaars and streets strengthening bonds of friendship.
\nIn those fleeting yet profound moments, Peshawar\u2019s streets transform into spaces of compassion and collective humanity especially at Ramazan.
\nFrom modest roadside dastarkhwans to organized Ramazan camps, these charitable initiatives are more than acts of generosity. They are living reminders that kindness, patience and service transcend religious boundaries.
\nIn a world often marked by division, the spirit of Ramazan in Peshawar quietly tells another story of unity, respect and enduring friendship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR: As the golden hues of sunset settle over the historic city of Peshawar, a quiet yet powerful gesture unfolds daily in the bustling lanes of Hashtnagri bazaar where foods are shared for joint Iftar parties. Forty-five-year-old Rawandar Singh, wearing his traditional turban, stands beside neatly packed dates and freshly fried pakoras by distributing it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-532946","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n