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Hindu Group Serves Iftar for 40 Years
27 Feb
Summary
- Sindhi Hindus have served iftar meals at Walajah Big Mosque for 40 years.
- The vegetarian meals are funded by the Sufi Dar Trust, which accepts no donations.
- This interfaith tradition began with refugee Pujniya Dada Ratanchand during Partition.
For four decades, a remarkable interfaith tradition has unfolded annually at Chennai's Walajah Big Mosque during Ramzan. A group of Sindhi Hindus, originally from Pakistan, dedicate their evenings to preparing and distributing iftar meals to thousands of attendees. This practice, which began 40 years ago, was started by Pujniya Dada Ratanchand, a refugee who deeply believed that service to mankind is service to God.
The Sufi Dar Trust, established in 1980, solely finances these vegetarian meals, firmly rejecting any external donations. This trust also supports orphanages with food on Sundays. The men, who are primarily businesspeople, leave their offices daily to participate in this seva, or service.
This unique tradition reflects a blend of Hinduism and Sufism, with the Sufi Dar community often worshipping at shrines dedicated to Sufi saints. The Nawab of Arcot, founder of the Walajah Mosque, had established a precedent of accepting offerings from temples, a sentiment that continues to be cherished by the Sufi Dar members.
Recently, the Jesuits at the Institute of Dialogue with Religions and Cultures in Chennai have also been distributing iftar meals for seven years, further extending the spirit of inclusivity and humanity during Ramzan.
