Who has been serving iftar meals at Walajah Big Mosque for 40 years?

A group of Sindhi Hindus, originally from Pakistan, has been serving iftar meals at Walajah Big Mosque for the past 40 years.

How are the iftar meals funded at Walajah Big Mosque?

The vegetarian iftar meals are funded solely by the Sufi Dar Trust, which was established in 1980 and is strictly against donations.

What is the significance of the Sufi Dar community's tradition?

The tradition emphasizes service to mankind as service to God, initiated by Dada Ratanchand, a refugee who migrated to Chennai during Partition.

Home / Lifestyle / Hindu Group Serves Iftar for 40 Years

Hindu Group Serves Iftar for 40 Years

27 Feb

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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.