MALAPPURAM: Scripting a new chapter in the annals of communal harmony, a temple here organised an iftar party for Muslims on their Ramadan feast. The Sree Narasimhamoorthy temple at Punnathala near Kadampuzha held the iftar party, where vegetable Biriyani was served for nearly 900 Muslims residing in the locality.
The party was organised on Thursday as part of the week long temple Punar Prathishta (restoration of the idol) festival. It has to be noted that out of the 1,300 families, only 72 belong to Hindus.
“Ramadan is the month to strengthen the bond between the communities. We were all pleased to take part in the function,” said Mammu Master Kadampuzha, former panchayat president, who was selected by the Temple committee as chairman of its Iftar committee.
The function was a thanksgiving to the local Muslims who extended their support to the temple authorities to meet the expenses of renovation. The Muslim community had contributed more than half the expenses for the works planned at an estimated cost of around Rs 20 lakh.
“We are living in a harmonious atmosphere from the time of our forefathers and we are obliged to keep this legacy intact,” said Unnikrishnan Nair, the temple committee president .
According to Nair, the participation from youngsters of both communities gave much hope. “They were very active. Most of the organisational work was done by the youngsters here,” he said.
Though the temple authorities are not sure whether they will continue to organise Iftars in the future, they are certain that they will keep the tradition of harmony uninterrupted.