One city, many faiths: Amidst the chaos, celebrating Mumbai's unity in diversity

Mumbai stands as a testament to India's religious diversity. As one of the world's fourth most populous cities, boasting a vibrant population of over 22 million people, Mumbai is a bustling metropolis where various faiths and beliefs converge harmoniously.

The dynamic city, formerly known as Bombay, a cluster of interconnected islands nestled along the Arabian Sea traces its origins back to the Koli fishing communities. Since then, it has evolved into a city of rich diversity.

One of the defining features of Mumbai is its religious mosaic, where mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras coexist harmoniously. Umar Saif Patel, a working professional in a multinational company, notes that Mumbai's religious diversity shapes its essence.

Patel says Mumbai's religious diversity gives rise to distinctive traits that shape its essence, including its harmonious coexistence, cultural syncretism and spiritual quest. He says that Mumbai is a shining example of how people from various religious faiths peacefully coexist. "Mosques, churches, temples, and gurdwaras can be found scattered throughout the cityscape, serving as a testament to Mumbai's commitment to religious tolerance and understanding."

The amalgamation of different religious practices and traditions, Patel adds, has led to cultural syncretism in Mumbai. Festivals from various faiths are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour, creating a sense of unity among its diverse inhabitants.

Also read: Mumbai: A cultural kaleidoscope reflecting unity amidst diversity

In the heart of Mumbai, religious diversity is not just about coexistence but a celebration of diverse paths to a deeper connection with the divine. It's a city where different prayers and chants blend into a harmonious symphony, embodying India's pluralistic ethos.

Although predominantly inhabited by Hindus, Mumbai hosts a significant population of Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Christians. Mosques' calls to prayer echo across the city, while ornate Hindu temples grace its skyline. Despite challenges, such as the 1992 Mumbai riots, Mumbai has made remarkable progress in terms of economic development, cultural vibrancy, and efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and unity.

Civil society organisations, NGOs, and individuals have tirelessly worked to promote understanding and tolerance among different religious communities, bridging divides and fostering unity. Renowned author Ram Punyani asserts that Mumbai's resilience in the face of challenges can be attributed to its fundamental characteristics. Throughout its 250-year history, Mumbai has integrated new cultural elements without disrupting the existing ones, resulting in a vibrant and enriching cultural milieu.

While communal tensions have occasionally influenced politics, there have also been efforts to promote secular and inclusive governance. Political leaders and parties have played roles in addressing communal issues and promoting social harmony.

Patel, who attends events in popular churches in the city, notes that Mumbai's religious diversity is evident through various places of worship that cater to specific religious communities while also attracting individuals from different faiths. He appreciates the beauty of people from diverse faiths attending various places of worship.

Recently, an interfaith gathering under the theme of 'Celebrating Our Faith Diversity as One Family' emphasised the importance of preserving faith diversity in the face of societal divisions. This event was organised collaboratively by the Baha'i Committee of Mumbai and the College of Social Work (Autonomous) Nirmala Niketan, held at the Baha'i Centre in Marine Lines. Distinguished speakers representing various faiths shared their perspectives on faith diversity.

Nargis Gaur, the secretary of The Local Spiritual Assembly, Baha'is of Mumbai, emphasised the event's role in fostering unity and understanding among diverse faiths. Cletus Zuzarte, an assistant professor at Nirmala Niketan, highlighted the importance of such dialogues in helping students understand society and respect diversity, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.

Advocate Irfan Engineer, a well-known activist, highlighted that Islam's core belief in the oneness of God emphasises the unity of humanity. He pointed to Quranic verses encouraging competition in performing good deeds and promoting acts of charity as the path to a truly religious life. Engineer stressed that deep knowledge of one religion is akin to knowing none.

Ahanta Shoghi proposed viewing different religions as integral parts of a single body, with the well-being of humanity as the ultimate goal. Prabhu Keshav Chandra Das emphasised the concept of pluralism inherent in Hinduism, promoting trust in various ways and the embrace of teachings from other religions. He underlined that the purpose of religion is to connect with the divine and cautioned against those who seek to divide and control.

Satyam Prakash drew from Christianity to describe it as a profound relationship and love story between individuals and God, with the Bible serving as a love letter. He emphasised that God is love, and Christianity's essence lies in loving one another.

Ven. Vimal Kirti Gunasiri shared insights from Buddhism, narrating Buddha's quest for happiness through learning from various teachers and exploring different religious paths. Gunasiri stressed the importance of allowing inner qualities like happiness, compassion, and love to guide one's actions and advocated for justice for oneself and others.