Malappuram (Kerala): The largest Ramadan prayer congregation in the country began Sunday at Swalath Nagar in Malappuram district of Kerala, where thousands of Muslim men women and children have arrived to take part Sunday.
The venue of the congregation, about 350 km from the state capital, is spread across 10 km, and 20 large grounds serve as the main venue. The devout will gather on both sides of National Highway 213.
Speaking to IANS, Umer Melmuri, one of the key organisers of the event, feared rain might prove an impediment.
"We expect a crowd of more than six lakh who will congregate through the day, and prayers will conclude early Monday morning. We expect close to two lakh people to be there to take part in the Iftar celebrations Sunday evening," said Melmuri.
This gathering has been an annual event held on the eve of the 27th Ramadan. Only at Makkah and Madeena do more Muslims gather to hear religious discourses led by Muslim clerics, the organisers said.
"This is one event where people from other religions also join to see the smooth conduct of the day-long festivities. Of the 14 grounds that are kept for parking of vehicles, eight are maintained by people from other religions in this district. Closed-circuit TVs are kept at various places in and around the place. The day-long programme is also webcast," Melmuri said.
Numerous devout Muslims arrive here not only from other parts of India but also abroad.
In between the prayer sessions, a pledge against terrorism and alcoholism, besides extending a message of harmony, tolerance, love and affection, will also be taken.
This event is being organised by Ma'din Academy, one of the premier educational and charity centres in south India.
"The food (including traditional Muslim dishes like pathiri and samosas) that would be served at the Iftar comes from various homes in the district, and the curries that will be served are being prepared at the venue," Melmuri said.
Comments
| Quick linksNews
National
International
Regional
Politics
Education & Career
Business
Science & Technology
Health
Views & Analysis
The Funny Side
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.
Government defends move to amend RTI Act, activists furiousThe government Friday defended its decision to amend the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit, saying they would not be able to function if the CIC order was implemented. The step however drew..... More
Also Read: Cabinet approves keeping parties out of RTI ambit
Ample evidence to prove existence of Indian MujahideenThirteen Muslim youth, mostly from the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), were falsely implicated in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts. About half-a-dozen SIMI activists were ....... More
If the hon'ble judge had visited the building he could have found that the building has only one exit which was manned by police and there was no possibility to escape by jumping. In such case the accused either had to be caught or had to be shot. The escape theory put up by the police does .... More
"If this activity is going on in Punjab's prisons, it's a very dangerous thing and has implications for our national security. A number of Pakistani prisoners and those linked with the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) are lodged in these prisoners. Though the social networking sites, these prisoners can link to their ..... More
