A Swiss national has drawn attention in Anegundi, Koppal, after installing a Ganesha idol inside the Muslim house he rents. Martin, a Christian from central Switzerland, moved to the village a year ago seeking peace after quitting his stressful job. He has been following Hindu rituals for the past seven years.
The house, owned by Dastagiri Mahebub, is located near the Anjaneya Temple on Chintamani Road. With the owner’s consent and support from local Muslim youth, Martin marked Ganesh Chaturthi for the first time this year.
“Hindu rituals, penance, and chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ give me peace. I’m grateful for the support of my landlord,” Martin said. Guided by local woman Uma, who explained the festival’s significance, he set up the idol with help from a villager named Pawan.
Martin said challenges he faced after moving from Switzerland were eased by the locals, adding, “The reason for my happiness today is Ganesh.”
In a parallel instance, Muslim youth in Alwandi village of Koppal taluk joined Hindu youngsters to perform a special puja and abhisheka at Vijaya Ganapati temple. The event, organized annually by Geleyara Balaga, also included a community feast with participation from both communities.