When Spain won, this Kerala vegetable vendor served mandi to 1,500 people in Wayanad

Ambalavayal: The mandi story that captured Kerala's attention on the day of the World Cup final has had a fitting finale. The question everyone had been asking — whether Shajeer would really keep his promise — was answered on Tuesday, as the vegetable vendor served chicken mandi to the people of Ambalavayal in celebration of Spain's World Cup triumph.

Around 1,500 people attended the feast, which began at 10 am.

Two days before the tournament began, Shajeer, an ardent Spain supporter, made a casual promise while sitting in his vegetable shop: "If Spain wins the World Cup, everyone will get mandi from me."

A friend recorded the moment and uploaded it to social media. The video initially received little attention, but resurfaced on the eve of the final and quickly spread across WhatsApp groups. As it went viral, Shajeer became an overnight sensation. While some joked that he had landed himself in trouble, others wondered whether he had taken on more than he could handle. Shajeer, however, remained steadfast and stood by his word.

After Spain lifted the trophy, the only question on everyone's mind was when the promised mandi would be served. Shajeer placed an order for meals for 1,000 people and made arrangements for the distribution. However, the turnout exceeded expectations, with around 1,500 people gathering at St Martin's Parish Hall on Tuesday morning.

Traders, taxi drivers, porters and residents from all walks of life joined the community feast.

Although the promise had been Shajeer's alone, the entire town rallied behind him to make the event a success. Members of the Town Team WhatsApp group and the Traders and Industrialists Coordination Committee extended their support. The feast, which cost more than ₹1 lakh, was made possible through their collective effort.

At the end of the event, residents felicitated Shajeer with a shawl in recognition of his commitment to keeping his promise.