Houses here have no doors!

Today, when it is common to opt for high-tech gadgets to ensure the safety of a house, a hamlet in Gadag district surprises us with doorless houses. One has to visit Dawal Malik area in Mulgund town of Gadag district to see houses without doors.

The residents here believe that the spirit of saint Dawal Malik guards their houses. They are not worried about the safety of their belongings even when they are away from their houses. It is said that if anybody comes here with bad intentions, evil will befall the person.

Saint Dawal Malik was an ardent disciple of Hazrat Burhan Shah Wali whose grave is on the top of the hill near the village. It is popularly known as the Dawal Malik Gudda. It is believed that Hazrat Burhan Shah Wali was a contemporary of renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Bandah Nawaz of Kalaburagi.

It is said that Dawal Malik meditated near the grave and now there is a dargah in this place. There, in a square-shaped enclosure, six small carved sandalwood horses are kept. Men and women of all faiths offer prayers here.

Sadruddin, the priest, said, “Dawal Malik had climbed the hill on a horse. To commemorate the saint’s mount, these horses are kept there.” The fence of the enclosure looks colourful with fastened locks meant to ward off evil and wish knots tied to it by the devotees.

People of all faiths visit the dargah to seek the blessings of the saints. Sundays and Thursdays are busy days. New moon day is a special occasion here when people throng to the shrine turning it into a big fair displaying vibrant, composite culture of the State.

Dawal Malik had travelled far and wide to spread the message of universal brotherhood. The Sufi saint preached devotion to God and service to mankind. No wonder that there are many places associated with the saint in other states too.

The hamlet has about 100 houses and population is over 1,500. All the families in this village belong to the Muslim community, have the common surname of ‘Mujawar’ and are related to each other. It is said that their ancestors had served the saints. They have been managing the dargah and are conducting prayers. The residents are engaged in a variety of livelihood activities. The social fabric of the village is strong and harmonious.

Some families here have electrical appliances like television and refrigerator. But they don’t keep valuables like jewellery at home. A M Sanni, police sub-inspector of Mulgund police station, said that when the entire family is out of the village, they arrange for a person to stay in the house. He also confirmed that in spite of houses being without doors, no crimes have been reported till date.

Abdul Razzak Mujawar, secretary of the Dawal Malik Dargah Committee, said,“There are certain other traditions that have continued here for generations. We follow them strictly and wholeheartedly. Women here do not use khat (knitted cot) after delivery, a common practice in the region. Also, we do not keep cradles in our houses.”