Perched on two neighboring hills in Assam's Kamrup district, the town of Hajo has long stood as a beacon of religious harmony. Here, the ancient Hayagriva Madhav Temple—dedicated to Lord Vishnu—sits just a short distance from Poa Mecca Dargah, a revered Muslim shrine believed to hold a fraction of the Prophet's footprint. For centuries, devotees from different faiths have prayed side by side, turning this small town into a living model of coexistence.

On January 15, 2026—the first day of the Assamese month of Magh—thousands gathered for the 35th edition of Manikut Utsav, an annual religio-cultural procession initiated by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) back in 1993. The event's centerpiece was the Samanwaya Sobhajatra, a vibrant harmony march that began at the gate of Poa Mecca Dargah on Garudachala Hill and wound its way to the Hayagriva Madhav Temple on Manikut Hill.

Participants—Hindus, Muslims, and others—moved together in a sea of color, accompanied by folk songs, traditional performances, and shared laughter. The atmosphere buzzed with goodwill as people carried banners of unity and exchanged warm greetings along the route.

The moment that captured hearts came when Khadim (Muslim priest) Syed Farid Ali and Doloi (Hindu priest) Shivaprasad Sharma met at the procession's heart and embraced in a genuine, heartfelt hug. It was a simple gesture that spoke volumes."

Hatred widens gaps and pollutes minds," said Syed Farid Ali afterward. "We must prioritize humanity, peace, and accepting each other."

Echoing the sentiment, Shivaprasad Sharma reflected: "Hajo is a living example of interfaith coexistence for decades."

In an age where divisions often dominate headlines, the Manikut Utsav offered a quiet counter-narrative. By marching together from dargah to temple, the people of Hajo reminded everyone that love, respect, and mutual acceptance remain stronger than any force seeking to pull communities apart—proving that true brotherhood walks hand in hand.