In India’s holiest city of Varanasi, Muslim weavers express hope for amity despite rise in abuse
- Weavers in Varanasi say the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric has so far caused no bad blood since the sari business thrives on interdependency
- Despite the apparent peace, many are dismayed by the anti-Muslim comments during the election and wonder in what direction the nation is heading
In the heart of Varanasi, Muslim weavers of the city’s renowned silk saris have long worked side by side with Hindu traders, their lives intertwined like the intricate patterns in the exquisite garments they craft and sell. But this delicate fabric of interfaith harmony has begun to show signs of strain.
In recent months, the weavers have reported an increase in incidents where visitors chant provocative slogans at them, targeting their religion. They say it follows a rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric that has increasingly become a mainstream feature of the country’s politics.
“We have always lived in harmony. We attend Hindu weddings and other ceremonies and they ours,” said Ahmed, a Muslim resident of the city’s Madanpura neighbourhood.
But now, the atmosphere is changing. “They abuse us when we assemble in small groups and then go away. We don’t react because things can spin out of control.”
One weaver, who declined to be named, said the visitors used derogatory words on him.
Several others from the community echoed similar concerns, but said it had caused no bad blood in the neighbourhood because the sari business thrived on interdependency, with Hindu traders supplying the raw materials and buying the garments from Muslim weavers.