Two Faiths, One Stage: Pune Rains Disrupt Hindu Wedding, Muslim Family Offers Walima Venue For 'Saptapadi'; Families Say 'It Can Happen Only In India' (VIDEO)

While a section of society is busy dividing Indians along religious lines, an example that showcased religious harmony in Pune emerged when a Hindu wedding, disrupted by torrential rain, was conducted on the stage provided by a Muslim family during their own children's wedding.

As per the information shared by the bride's uncle, Sanjay Kawade, the wedding took place under the same roof at Alankaran Lawns near the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) grounds in Wanawadi on Tuesday evening.

"What began as a weather mishap turned into a heartwarming moment of unity and interfaith harmony in Pune, when heavy rainfall disrupted a Hindu wedding ceremony at Alankaran Lawns. The unexpected downpour led to a unique collaboration between two families from different faiths, transforming a potential disaster into a beautiful shared celebration," he said.

He also said the wedding was a slap in the face to those who try to divide society along religious lines.

Sankruti Kawade and Narendra Galande were set to tie the knot at 6:56 PM in an outdoor ceremony. As final arrangements were being made for the traditional Hindu wedding rituals, dark clouds rolled in and rain began to pour heavily, catching the attendees off guard. Guests scrambled for shelter, and the open-air venue quickly became unusable.

Right next to the lawns, a Muslim wedding reception — the ‘Walima’ — was underway in a sheltered banquet hall. This celebration was for Mohsin, the son of retired police officer Faruk Kazi, and his bride Maheen.

Here's what happened

With their own venue soaked and no time to make alternate arrangements, Sankruti’s family approached the Kazis with a humble request — to allow the Hindu wedding rituals to be completed indoors. What followed was an extraordinary act of kindness.

Nilesh Shinde, a close friend of the Kawade family, shared that the Kazi family did not hesitate for even a moment when approached for help. After speaking with their relatives, they promptly made space for the Hindu wedding ceremony, and their guests even lent a hand in setting up the area.

The two weddings were then carried out consecutively in the same hall — with the Hindu rituals taking place first, followed by the Muslim celebration. Despite the difference in traditions, the overall atmosphere remained warm, respectful, and joyful.

Santaram Kawade, the bride’s grandfather, noted that the family had spent several months preparing for the wedding and was initially heartbroken when their plans were disrupted by the rain.

The bride’s father, Chetan Kawade, remarked that the family was shown incredible kindness during a moment of unexpected crisis. He believed that such a display of unity — two weddings from two different religions sharing a single stage — was something that could happen only in India.

The Kazis’ generosity extended even further, as they invited the Kawade family to join their wedding feast and made room for their catering arrangements as well. What began as two separate events evolved into a beautiful, shared celebration that lasted well into the night.

Faruk Kazi, reflecting on the evening, said he felt the Kawades’ pain upon seeing their ceremony disrupted. As a father himself, he empathized deeply and believed that stepping in to help was the natural thing to do — he considered the bride as if she were his own daughter.

The sight of two newlywed couples, representing different communities and sharing one stage, left guests deeply moved. It was a moment that symbolized the beauty of empathy and coexistence.

The families said that such things can happend only in India.

Muslim Man Lights Funeral Pyre Of A Hindu In Pune

In a similar case in Pune last month, Javed Khan, a social activist from Pune, demonstrated true communal harmony. He stepped in to help Jayshree Kinkle, a Hindu woman, perform the last rites of her deceased brother, earning widespread praise.

Jayshree’s biggest concern was who would light her brother’s pyre, a crucial Hindu cremation ritual. Upon hearing of Sudhir’s death, Javed Khan not only offered condolences but also honored the tradition by lighting the pyre himself.