Thiruvananthapuram: In the run-up to Attukal Pongala, a speech by the Palayam Imam calling for solidarity and hospitality has drawn widespread attention online. The Imam urged that mosques and homes be opened to devotees arriving for the festival, and that food and drinking water be arranged for them on Pongala day.

“Attukal Pongala is just days away. As it is associated with a different faith, we do not participate in its rituals and ceremonies. However, many sisters and children will be arriving in Thiruvananthapuram as guests. We must strive to become their best hosts,” said Palayam Imam Dr Suhaib Maulavi.
 


“Just as last year, Pongala is taking place during Ramadan this year as well. We should be able to share the finest experiences of Ramadan, its joy, fraternity and love, with the sisters and their children who come for Pongala,” the Imam added.

“We must offer them drinking water and Ramadan dishes. We should make arrangements for them to rest. A situation must be created where our mosques and homes are fully open before them. This is an occasion to openly demonstrate our love and fraternity,” he said.

He further told believers during his Friday sermon that there must be a clear awareness that only through love and fraternity can growing Islamophobia and hatred in the world and the country be countered, and that this is an ideal opportunity to uphold that message.

His remarks come at a time when Kerala is once again at the centre of national debate following the controversial portrayal of the state in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, teaser of which has sparked outrage over scenes allegedly depicting forced beef feeding.