Interfaith Iftar in Pune: Warkaris, Muslim Community Gather at Sadal Baba Dargah
Pune, 12th March 2026: In a heartening display of interfaith harmony and shared spiritual values, devotees from different faiths gathered at the historic Sadal Baba Dargah on Wednesday evening where the Sarva Dharma Sambhav Trust, led by its president Ikram Khan, organised a Roza Iftar programme. The event witnessed the participation of Warkaris from Alandi, Muslim community members, social leaders and senior police officials, all coming together to celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
Among the prominent attendees were Rajabhau Randhwe, Chopdar of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala of Shri Kshetra Alandi, along with other Warkari representatives. Senior police officials including DCP (Zone IV) Chilumula Rajnikanth, Yerawada Police Station PI Anjum Bagwan, and Laxminagar Police Station in-charge Ravindra Kadam were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Haj Committee CEO Shanavas C (IAS), Deputy CEO Sadakat Ali, Niyaz Ahmed, and officials from CPWD were present.
The gathering symbolised the age-old tradition of communal harmony in the region, where followers of different religions participated in the Iftar and shared prayers for peace and well-being. The presence of Warkaris from Alandi added a special spiritual dimension to the event, reflecting the inclusive ethos associated with the legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarva Dharma Sambhav Trust president Ikram Khan emphasised that the Iftar programme was organised not merely as a religious ritual but as a platform to strengthen bonds between communities.
“India’s greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity. Our land has always taught us that faith may be different, but humanity is one. The spirit of Roza during the holy month of Ramadan reminds us of patience, compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food; it is about purifying the soul, controlling our desires and developing a deeper understanding of humanity,” Khan said.
“When Warkaris from Alandi and followers of different faiths sit together for Iftar at the Sadal Baba Dargah, it sends a powerful message that love, respect and brotherhood are the true foundations of our society. Through such initiatives, we want to reinforce the idea that Hindus and Muslims have always lived together in harmony, sharing each other’s festivals and traditions,” he added.
Khan further noted that the trust has been consistently working to promote communal harmony and mutual respect through social and cultural initiatives.
Representatives of the Warkari community also appreciated the initiative. Rajabhau Randhwe, Chopdar of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala, praised the efforts of the trust for organising the interfaith gathering.
“The teachings of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasise equality, compassion and universal brotherhood. Participating in the Roza Iftar here reflects the same spirit of unity and devotion. Such programmes strengthen the bonds between communities and remind us that spirituality transcends religious boundaries,” Randhwe said.
Other Warkari representatives echoed similar sentiments, stating that gatherings like these play an important role in nurturing social harmony and mutual respect among people of different faiths.
The evening concluded with the breaking of the fast, prayers for peace and prosperity, and warm interactions among the attendees, reinforcing the enduring message of communal harmony and the shared cultural heritage of the region.
