Iftar in temple; a tale of unity from often crucified Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: While the Indian state is deeply clutched with cases of religious riots popping heads across the country, the often incriminated district of Malappuram has a harmonious tale to offer. Vettichira Srilakshmi Narasimha Murthy Vishnu temple offers iftar treats for Muslim neighbors and that too for a noble reason.

The crumbled temple that had a history of more than 100 years was nearly falling to rumbles. There were only 30 Hindu families in the neighborhood. The renovation was estimated at Rs 15 lakhs. The price sounded a bit off-target with no access to reach it with help from just 30 families. Thus came the Muslim families nearby who made contributions to helping the temple take its shape. This happened seven years back and that too during one Ramzan season.

The temple committee then pondered over conducting an iftar fest not just for noble help but to cement the unity between different sections in the neighborhood. The tradition has been followed since with occasional halt for the pandemic. Vegetable fried rice and fruits were the main delectables offered to many Muslim families during this year's treat. More surprisingly, the temple committee also has many Muslim faces in it.