Lahore, Muslim bakery creates harmony through Christian pastries
The bakery "S. Mohkam-ud-Din & Sons" was opened in 1879, two years after the construction of the Cathedral of the Resurrection. From the start the Muslim confectioners have developed links with Christians. The shop produces cakes and pastries typical of Christmas and Easter. Christian symbols on display in shop window.
Lahore (AsiaNews) - The first bakery of the Indian subcontinent creates interfaith harmony by selling Christian items for more than a century. S. Mohkam-ud-Din & Sons bakers and confectioners is popular among local church leaders in Lahore for its rich plum cakes in Christmas, hot cross buns during lent and Easter eggs / cakes on Resurrection Sunday.
Founded in 1879, the small bakery was founded by Kushbakht Hussain Naqvi who supplied tea to the British army before creation of Pakistan. Today it stands folded between cloth shops in Anarkali bazaar, one of the oldest surviving markets in South Asia.
While the bakery is known for its rich plum cakes made with red wine, it's the bakery's Christian ornaments that separate it from rest of the shops. “The items have been a source of attraction for our non Muslim customers. The new Muslim customers ask me if I am a Christian. I playfully reply that I am a Shia-Christian. Some fundamentalists criticize me for keeping idols and leave without shopping”, Mohkam Bakht Naqvi, the second generation owner, told AsiaNews.
Those not for sale include the plaque of last supper and the David star which Mohkam Naqvi, 55, received as a gift from orthodox priest when he visited Bethlehem in 1993. He now plans to visit the Vatican. Three years ago, he offered bangles and dupatta (long scarf) at the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad, the site of annual Catholic pilgrimage.
“It was an unforgettable experience visiting the Church of the Nativity and other grottos. My prayers were answered and my twin daughters were born this December”, he said.
According to Naqvi, the anglo Indian tradition of Christmas cakes inspired Eid cakes in Pakistan [the end of Ramadan]. “Before the 60s, Muslims only celebrated the religious feasts by eating and distributing sweets. The majority of customers include elite politicians, including former president Asif Zardari, church leaders and old family circles”, he said adding.
The Anglican Cathedral Church of the Resurrection has “a long history of relationship” with the bakery, says Rev. Shahid P. Meraj Dean of Lahore Cathedral. “Ever since the Cathedral was built in 1877, the baker’s family has been participating in Christian festivals. They also attended funeral of my parents. Its more than just business”, he said.
“The bakery showcases a practical demonstration of interfaith harmony, tolerance and peace building. This silent contribution is helping in bringing followers of diverse religions together and spreading a positive message. Especially the holy ornaments / symbols in shop proclaim Christianity as something local, not foreigner,” the Dean adds.
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