'Vegetarian porridge at mosque, provide all necessary assistance to Pongala devotees'; Palayam Imam's message goes viral

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “Make sure to provide all necessary help by opening the doors of our mosques and homes for those coming for Pongala. They should be given drinking water and Ramzan dishes. They should be provided with facilities to rest." These encouraging words by Palayam Imam V.P. Suhaib Maulavi are now being portrayed as the ‘Real Kerala story’ amid a tiff over the movie release.

“In Islam, the host has certain obligations towards the guest. Even if they are of a different faith, those who come to Pongala are guests of the capital city. The host has the obligation to look after the guests' affairs." V.P. Suhaib Maulavi told Kerala Kaumudi.

When Ramzan begins, believers are on a fasting schedule. The devotees will arrive on Monday itself. Once they reach the mosque, they can eat the fasting meal. Vegetarian porridge is prepared at the Palayam mosque. Drinking water can be collected. The Imam, who is a native of Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, first witnessed Attukal Pongala when he came to the capital in 2015.

"At that time, there was a group called 'Shanthi Samiti'. Archbishop Soosaipakiam was its patron. Sugathakumari teacher, and I were in the Samiti. On Pongala day, buttermilk and water would be provided at the Palayam Christian Church under the leadership of the committee. Drinks would also be provided under the auspices of the Progressive Muslim Forum attached to the Muslim Church. The Palayam Church is a centre of religious harmony," said Maulavi.