Meet Ehsan Chauhan, Rajkot’s Muslim devotee who fasts for Lord Shiva in Shravan

In a heartwarming display of religious harmony, a 54-year-old Rajkot resident from a minority community has been observing the holy fasts of Ramadan while also keeping fasts and offering prayers to Lord Shiva during the sacred Hindu month of Shravan.

“Religion does not create division; it is merely different paths to the same truth. Humanity is the greatest religion, where every soul offers love and respect to one another,” believes Ehsan Chauhan, a resident of Jagannath plot in Rajkot.

Recalling his childhood, Chauhan says, “A schoolteacher once explained the glory of Lord Shiva and the importance of fasting during Shravan. Inspired by her words, I decided to observe fasts for good academic results. Growing up in an environment of sarva dharma sambhav (equal respect for all religions) and surrounded by Hindu friends, I began observing both Ramadan fasts and Shravan vrats, valuing them equally.”

For the past 34 years, Chauhan has been walking 10 kilometres to the Ishwariya Mahadev Temple every day throughout the month of Shravan. 

“I always help those in need, including the elderly and differently-abled. For the last 21 years, I have sponsored elderly people and differently-abled people to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site Somnath temple, on the first Monday of Shravan.”

And on the last day of the holy month of Shravan, he hosts a religious feast. 

“I find peace in the temple, and it fills my heart with joy. My faith in Lord Shiva inspires me to help both Hindu devotees during Shravan and Muslim brothers during Ramadan,” he said.

So far, he has arranged free trips for over 3,200 devotees to Somnath Temple.

In 2024, he was honoured with the Communal Unity Award by the Rajkot Collector in recognition of his efforts to promote harmony and brotherhood.