THRUVANANTHAPURAM: "Yada yada hi dharmasya glanirbhavati bharatha" these verses from Bhagwad Gita surprised many who entered Palayam Juma Masjid here the other day. Swami Ashwathy Thirunal, of Ekalavya Ashram, referred to these verses while delivering a lecture on the topic 'Are Muslims moving away from the Prophet' . The event was part of the Masjid committee's efforts to propagate religious harmony and brotherhood.
Separate arrangements have been at the mosque for special prayers, religious lectures and Quran reading. Many people from other faiths came to hear the lecture on religious topics. One of the major attractions at the more than two hundred-years-old mosque is the "Oushadha kanji" that is offered to devotees to break their fast. More than 1500 people including non-Muslims come here to relish the iftar kanji. Oushada Kanji (Ayurvedic porridge) is prepared using herbs and spices like dry ginger, cardamom, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and cloves.
The joint convener of Ramzan committee Abdul Salman said Oushada Kanji was the best for devotees. "This kanji is like a medicine which helps in boosting immunity and resistance power. This also helps in digestion," he said. The mosque has a main iftaar hall which can accommodate 400 people at a time. Apart from Oushada Kanji, other refreshments like dry fruits, juices are also offered in the evening. Non-vegetarian curries, rice, salad and pickle are also provided.
