Hyderabad, January 30, 2026: In a significant step towards promoting interfaith understanding and social harmony, COVA Peace Network launched the book “Festivals of Different Religions: Celebrations – Messages – Values” as part of its Multi-Faith Celebrations Program. The book was formally released on January 30, 2026, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom Day, at Hyderabad.
The publication presents an insightful overview of 35 major festivals belonging to seven religions—Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. It highlights the celebrations, underlying messages and core values of each festival, emphasizing how festivals can serve as an engaging and meaningful medium to understand religions while nurturing mutual respect for diverse faiths and traditions.
The book underlines a powerful message: where there is respect, hatred cannot exist, and where there is no hatred, the possibility of violence diminishes. By focusing on shared human values across religions, the publication aims to contribute to peace-building and communal harmony.
The book was released by eminent faith leaders who also contributed to its content: Tashi Cheodup (Buddhism), Bro. Varghese Tackaneth (Christianity), Dr. N. Ch. Harikrishna (Hinduism), Sushil Chanodia Jain (Jainism), Dr. Irfan Basha (Islam), Rachhpal Singh Khalsa (Sikhism), and Evard Mehernosh Bharucha (Zoroastrianism). They were joined by Vithal Rao Arya, Ms. Jhansi Rani, and Mir Shahid Saleem from Jammu & Kashmir during the release ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mazher Hussain reflected on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and noted that the essence of Gandhi’s life mirrored the core values common to all religions—truth, non-violence, compassion and service to humanity.
The book has been compiled and curated by Shabana Khan and Naziya Begum, whose efforts were widely appreciated by the participating faith leaders and dignitaries. All speakers unanimously agreed that the publication would serve as an important resource for fostering inter-religious understanding and strengthening peace and harmony in society.
The book is available for public reading at:
https://jointcelebrations.covanetwork.org/festivals-of-all-religions
— COVA Peace Network