Hindustan Times
VRINDABAN, INDIA, August 5, 2005: For generations hundreds of Muslims in Vrindavan are engaged in stitching clothes for Hindu deities. For the 700-odd Muslim men of the holy town, embroidering, adding motifs and sequins and tailoring resplendent attires for the icons is a way of life. Working with sincerity and devotion, their respect for these deities is as much as their Hindu brothers. Ikram, a Muslim dressmaker says that devotion to work is the best form of worship. “I make dresses for Gods and Goddesses. I don’t believe in religious differences. My devotion lies not in being a Hindu or a Muslim, but in my work,” says Ikram. The Muslim artists command high respect among the Hindus who feel that the tailors help in fighting the communal divide. They (Muslims) are devoted to the God. In a way, they are serving the Almighty. I feel really happy and believe that it’s a way of fostering communal harmony and brotherhood among masses. I have great respect for them,” says Sumirandan Das, a Hindu saint. The silk and fancy attires made by Muslim artists are also exported to a number of foreign countries. The annual business is worth US$455,000. “The dresses are exported to New Jersey, Washington DC, Houston, Kenya and Italy. In India, the dresses are supplied to several temples such as Birla temple of Calcutta and even Vrindavan,” says Anil Khandelwal, a dress designer. Vrindavan, the abode of Lord Krishna, is primarily a place of temples, having nearly 4,000 shrines.