The villagers - Muslim and Hindu - raise funds and contribute in their own little way to the Iftar gatherings held in the temple.

'Most of the villagers voluntarily make contributions for arranging Iftar parties. While some villagers give cash for arranging the meals, others contribute by cooking delicacies like sewai, kheer and kachauri,' said D.K. Singh, a teacher in Naubatpur.

The residents hope their inter-religious bond and social harmony inspires people outside their village too.

'We want the message of this unique Hindu-Muslim friendship to be loud and clear...It should convey to society that when people are fighting in the name of religion, our village has a special Hindu-Muslim bond,' said Assad Akhtar, who owns a tailoring shop.

Added Shabi Haider, another villager: 'We feel proud and privileged that our village is keeping the secular character of our country alive.'

(Asit Srivastava can be contacted at asit.s@ians.in)