Kota:
It was the final Friday of Ramzan, the holy month when Muslims keep Rozas. In observing these dawn to dusk fasts the most difficult aspect is getting up early morning when Muslims are allowed to take their final meal before their Rozas begin.
And in Rajasthan's Kota district, it's a devoted Hindu who helps people to get up for this morning meal generally taken between 3 and 4 in the morning and in doing so he provides a fine example of India's composite culture.
Everyday three in the morning Prabhu Lal sets out on his special Ramzan mission. Through the holy month for Muslims, this 40-year old Hindu goes around Kota's Walled City beating his drums. His loud sounds help many Muslims in this area to wake up for Sehri, the early morning meal after which those keeping Rozas can't eat or drink anything.
"I feel this is a pious duty that's why I wake up people from the first day of the Ramzan month. And when I come here to help them, they all give me a lot of respect," said Prabhu Lal, Kota.
Besides symbolizing the Hindu-Muslim bonds that are at the core of India's secular ethos, Prabhu Lal's devoted service for the past 10 years has made him a big favourite with most Muslim families in Kota.
"He has been coming for so many years that now we get up for Sehri not by the Alarm Clock but by the sound of his drums," said Razia Zaidi, Kota resident.
"He helps to improve communal solidarity here. We often call him for Iftar or make him sit and share our Sehri meal," said Abdul Haneef, Kota resident.
Given the friendships he has forged, Prabhu Lal gets invited to countless Iftar parties and Id festivities.
So, while his Muslim friends lose some weight by keeping Rozas, Prabhu Lal says he generally ends up gaining weight during the Ramzan month.