Malappuram: In a heartwarming moment of religious harmony, a temple in Malappuram has called off the festival celebrations to condole the demise of a Muslim man in the village. The annual festival celebrations at Punnassery Bhagavathy temple in Tirur was cancelled and limited to rituals after Cherathil Haider, a native of the village passed away.

"The concept of Kodungallur Bhagawati is followed in the temple. The decision to cancel the celebrations was taken immediately after getting informed of Haider's demise. Everyone cooperated with the decision," temple authorities said. 

A representative of the Mahal Committee said that the temple authority has stopped the celebrations to express their grief over the death.