Two temples in Malappuram district of Kerala host Iftar parties in the first weeks of Ramadan, attended by thousands and hailed as a gesture of communal harmony.
The Vaniyannoor Chathangadu Mahavishnu temple committee in Malappuram district has set an example of communal harmony by organising an Iftar party for the Muslim community. More than a thousand people gathered at the temple compound for the event, including Panakkad Rasheed Ali Thangal and representatives of political party leaders.
What makes this event even more special is the fact that the land for the temple was donated by Hassan Haji, a resident of Vaniyannoor. The temple land spans over 1.3 acres, and people of all religions take part in the festivals held there.
Days before the Iftar party, the temple committee organised the ‘Mahasudarshana Homam’, which saw thousands of devotees from various parts of the state participating. However, since it was conducted in the afternoon, Muslims who were fasting could not take part in the festival. Hence, the temple committee decided to host the Iftar party inside the temple premises.
“Everyone can be seen wishing each other, sharing concerns and regards at one venue. This kind of a gathering is the need of the day. For the well being of our land and our citizens, I appeal everyone to be part of such events going forward”, TN quotes Rasheed Ali Shihab Thangal as saying.
In another instance of communal harmony, the Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy Vishnu temple near Vettichira in the same Malappuram district also organised an Iftar party for the Muslim community.
What is even more heartening is that the century old temple was renovated with the help of Muslims in the locality seven years ago during a Ramadan.
