Historic gestures see Hindus and Muslims sharing space, food and goodwill, with leaders saying such acts strengthen communal harmony
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Two significant acts of goodwill in Kerala during the holy month of Ramadan have drawn widespread praise, as members of Hindu and Muslim communities extended support to one another during overlapping religious occasions.
In Kasaragod, the centuries-old Shri Poochakkal Kuzhi Temple organised a community iftar (breaking of fast by Muslims) in its courtyard on February 26 as part of the ‘Brahma Kalashotsavam’ celebrations, held to mark the reinstallation of deities. Around 200 people attended the gathering.
Temple organisers said the decision was taken in recognition of the large number of Muslims living around the temple who were observing fast and could not participate in the traditional ‘annadanam’ (food distribution) connected with the festival.
Chandran V, chairman of the temple’s programme committee, said the initiative was meant to strengthen local bonds.
“We aim to strengthen communal harmony,” he said. Muslims living around the temple have always supported us. Since many of them were fasting during Ramadan and could not join the annadanam, we decided to host a community iftar so that they could also feel included in the celebrations.”
The day began with an interfaith conference and ended with people from different religions sitting together for iftar in the temple courtyard. Residents described the event as historic.
Sajid Maul, a resident, said: “We were fortunate to witness something that even our forefathers may not have seen. It was a proud and emotional moment for the whole area.”
Many Muslims in the region said the gesture sent a strong message at a time when they feel increasingly targeted in public debate. Community members said such acts help protect the dignity of Indian Muslims and show that peaceful coexistence remains possible.
In Thiruvananthapuram, another example of goodwill came from the Muslim community. During Friday prayers at the Palayam Juma Masjid, Imam V P Suhaib Maulavi urged Muslims to open their mosques and homes to women and children travelling to the city for the Attukal Pongala festival on Tuesday (March 3).
Although Muslims do not participate in the Pongala rituals, the imam encouraged the community to offer drinking water, rest space, and, where possible, Ramadan food at iftar time.
“This is an opportunity to show love and brotherhood,” he said in his sermon. “We may not participate in their religious practices, but we can serve them as fellow human beings. Let us open our doors to women and children who come from faraway places.”
Video clips of the sermon were widely shared on social media and received a positive response from many users.
The imam also noted that the Pongala festival coincides this year with Ramadan, increasing the need for mutual understanding.
Members of the congregation said such appeals reflect the true spirit of Islam. A worshipper at the mosque said, “Helping others during their festival does not weaken our faith. It shows confidence in who we are and respect for others.”
The historic Valiya Palli Muslim Jama-ath Mosque in Manacaud has for years followed a similar tradition. The mosque provides drinking water, toilet facilities and resting space for Pongala devotees, and also arranges accommodation for emergency workers deployed during the large annual gathering.
A committee member associated with the mosque said: “We consider this our responsibility as neighbours. When lakhs of women gather for Pongala, basic facilities become very important. If we can ease their hardship even a little, we should do so.”
Community leaders say these gestures from Kerala stand out at a time when Muslims across India often speak of rising hostility and Islamophobia. They argue that such examples show that ordinary Hindus and Muslims can continue to live together with mutual respect despite political and social tensions.
A senior social activist in Thiruvananthapuram said, “Stories like these must be highlighted. They remind us that unity is still possible and that communities can choose peace over division.”
As Ramadan continues and preparations for Pongala gather pace, residents in both Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram hope that this spirit of cooperation will remain strong long after the festivals conclude.
