In most cities, popular spots for a brisk morning jog or a leisurely evening stroll are parks with lush greenery, or a riverside path. In the town of Karimganj, in Bihar’s Gaya district, hundreds of people now take their daily walks surrounded by dead bodies.
A 150-year-old graveyard, used for burials by the local Muslim community, has been transformed over the last year into a well-maintained park frequented by ardent walkers, regardless of religious background. The transformation, effected with no support from the State government, but rather sustained by donations from local residents and grassroots politicians, has become the talk of the town.
“There is no park in this locality of ward number 25 and 26. This graveyard falls in between. In the morning, along with the morning walk, the Fatiha [recited in obligatory and voluntary prayer by Muslims] is also carried out by the people. So, two things are done at one time. Most people used to do it at their respective homes, but ever since this graveyard has been renovated, and more than 2,500 trees and plants have been planted here, people throng in large numbers for the morning and evening walk. There is no restriction for anyone. People of all communities can utilise the facility,” said Zameer Alam, secretary of the Karimganj graveyard.
