Keep mosques and homes open for Hindu devotees during Attukal Pongala festival

Keralam Imam urges Muslims

(An Imam is one who leads prayers in a mosque)

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – VP Suhaib Maulavi, Imam of Palayam in Kerala, has appealed that during the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival, mosques and Muslim homes should be kept open for Hindu devotees. He urged that arrangements be made for food and drinking water for them. Many people have appreciated this initiative.

The “Attukal Pongala” is a renowned 10-day festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This year, the festival will commence on 3 March. It is regarded as one of the largest religious gatherings of women in the world. Lakhs of women of various age groups gather in the capital city to participate in religious rituals.

Anti-Islam sentiments and hatred can be countered only with love and brotherhood

In his message, Dr Suhaib Maulavi stated that, as in the previous year, Pongala is coinciding with Ramadan this year as well. He said this presents an opportunity to share the joy, brotherhood, and love of Ramadan with the sisters coming for Pongala and their children. He appealed that drinking water and Ramadan food items be made available to them and that arrangements for their rest be provided. An atmosphere should be created where mosques and homes are completely open to them. He added that this is an opportunity to demonstrate love and brotherhood. The growing anti-Islam sentiments and hatred in the country and around the world can be effectively countered only through love and fraternity. The festival provides an opportunity to strengthen the message of mutual harmony.

Editorial Perspective

It would not be surprising if, in the future, Muslims and so-called progressive Hindus demand that Hindus keep their temples and homes open during Iftar and Eid as well.