Temple in Kasaragod hosts community iftar

In a notable act of communal harmony, a temple in Kasaragod recently hosted a community iftar in its courtyard.

The Sree Poobanam Kuzhi Temple at Panayal near Bekal organised the gathering on Thursday (February 26), which was attended by around 200 people. The iftar, where participants shared a meal within the temple premises, highlighting local unity, was part of the Brahmakalashotsavam marking the reconsecration of the temple’s deities.

“Our aim was to strengthen communal harmony. Muslims live around the temple and have always been very helpful to us. As they were observing the Ramadan fast, they could not participate in the annadanam (community feast) held as part of the temple’s reconsecration festival. As a gesture of inclusion and goodwill, a community iftar was organised,” said Chandran V, chairman, Temple programme committee.

On Thursday morning, an interfaith conference set the tone. By evening, the temple courtyard had turned into a space of shared fasting and fellowship.

Sajid Mavval, a local resident, said the iftar held in the temple courtyard had helped strengthen communal harmony. “The temple has been there for centuries, and this was the first time an iftar was organised there. We were fortunate to experience something that even our forefathers never had the opportunity to witness,” Mr. Mavval added.

Formally known as the Aravath Mattenganam Kazhakam Sree Poobanam Kuzhi Temple, the centuries-old shrine is dedicated to Chooliyar Bhagavathi and Movankuzhi Chamundi. It also has sub-shrines for Trikanand Appan (Shiva) and Vishnu.