Palayam Imam’s call to open mosques, homes to Pongala devotees goes viral

Friday prayers at the famed Palayam mosque in Thiruvananthapuram became another landmark moment in the syncretic ethos of the State when an appeal by the Imam V.P. Suhaib Maulavi during his sermon became viral.

The Imam urged people of Muslim faith to become exemplary hosts to women and children reaching the State capital for the renowned Attukal Pongala festival in a few days from now.

The Attukal Pongala, also known as women’s Sabarimala, will be held on March 3. The annual event sees lakhs of women reach the city to offer prayers prepare the Pongala offering for the Attukal Devi.

In the sermon, the Imam mentioned though that Muslims did not observe in the Pongala rituals and traditions, they could welcome those reaching the city to attend the festival.

“Like last year, Pongala coincides with the holy month of Ramadan this time too. We should share the experiences of joy, brotherhood, and love during Ramadan with our sisters and their children,” Imam Suhaib Maulavi said.

He urged the Muslim community to arrange drinking water, Ramadan delicacies, and resting facilities for the guests. “Our mosques and homes should be opened to them. This is an occasion to demonstrate our love and brotherhood”

The Imam urged the Muslim faithful to be very aware that only with love and fraternity could the rising Islamophobia and hatred in the world and India be countered. It was an attempt to reinforce the message of harmony among all, irrespective of caste and religion, the Maulavi said.

The Imam’s message has gone viral, with clips being shared widely to underline the message of religious solidarity. The Imam’s appeal comes against the backdrop of the row over the release of the Hindi feature film ‘The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond.’

This is not the first time that people of Muslim faith are readying to open their doors for devotees flocking to the city for the Attukal Pongala.

Every year, the historic Valiyapalli Muslim Jamath mosque at Manacaud in the city proudly upholds its pluralistic legacy and opens its doors to provide succour to women and children offering Pongala in the daytime heat, underscoring the message of communal amity. The mosque is known for providing water, toilet and resting facilities to the devotees on its expansive grounds. It also allows space to accommodate emergency responders such as the police, Fire and Rescue Services, and health professionals who are on standby during the Pongala.