In the holy month of Sawan, while Shiva devotees are bringing Ganga water from Haridwar and performing Abhishek of Bholenath, the Kanwar Yatra of a woman named Shabnam from Ghaziabad has attracted people’s attention. This journey has become an example of not just religious faith, but social harmony and family values.
From Muslim to Sanatan Dharma
Shabnam was earlier a Muslim, but after the death of her husband, when her parents did not support her, a Hindu family adopted her. She married Pawan, the son of this family and accepted Sanatan Dharma. Now for the first time she has set out on the Kanwar Yatra with her husband.
21 liters of Ganga water and dedication to in-laws
On July 12, Shabnam, along with Pawan, reached Ghaziabad with 21 liters of Ganga water from Haridwar and dedicated this Kanwar to her in-laws Manju Devi and Ashok Kumar. There were pictures of her in-laws on both sides of her Kanwar. Shabnam said, “My in-laws have never treated me as a daughter-in-law but as a daughter. I pray to Bholenath for their good health and long life.”
Shabnam also has two small children and the whole family is involved in this festival of Sawan with deep devotion and enthusiasm. She now considers herself a part of Sanatan culture and wants her family to always live in happiness and peace.