Thiruvananthapuram, February 28 The appeal by Palayam Imam V P Suhaib Maulavi to open mosques and Muslim homes to Hindu devotees on the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival day here has gone viral on social media platforms, with many netizens describing it as an example of the true Kerala story.
Attukal Pongala, which falls on March 3 this year, is considered one of the largest gatherings of women in the world, with lakhs of women from all age groups gathering in the capital city to participate in the festivities.
In his Friday sermon, Maulavi urged members of the Muslim community to extend hospitality to Hindu devotees arriving in the city for the Pongala festival.
In his address, he said that while Attukal Pongala is associated with a different faith and Muslims do not participate in its rituals and ceremonies, the occasion presents an opportunity to serve as gracious hosts to the thousands of women and children who visit Thiruvananthapuram as guests.
"Like last year, Pongala is being observed during the holy month of Ramadan this time as well. We must share the spirit of joy, fraternity, and love that defines Ramadan with our sisters and their children who come here for Pongala," he said.
Maulavi called upon the community to arrange drinking water and Ramadan food items for the devotees and to ensure facilities for their rest.
"Arrangements should be made for their rest. Our mosques and homes should be opened to them. This is an occasion to openly demonstrate our love and brotherhood," he said.
Maulavi further stressed that the growing Islamophobia and hatred in the country and the world can be countered effectively only through love and fraternity.
He described the festival as an ideal opportunity to reinforce the message of harmony.
The Muslim cleric's speech quickly went viral on social media platforms.
People from all religions shared his video clips on various platforms and hailed his gesture as an example of the true Kerala story, harmony, and brotherhood among different religions and communities in Kerala.
His appeal gained significance in the context of the ongoing controversy surrounding the film "Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond."
