As we enter the month of Ramadan, we are reminded of a long-standing tradition at Sufidar Temple. Located in Chennai’s Mylapore neighbourhood, the temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of interfaith harmony. One of its most remarkable traditions is serving iftar during Ramadan, and this isn’t a new trend, but a decades-old practice that reflects communal unity, compassion, and shared faith beyond religious boundaries.
At Sufidar Temple, Iftar During Ramadan Is A Tradition
Blending elements of Sufi-inspired devotion with inclusive spiritual practices, the Sufidar temple has built a reputation for welcoming people from all communities. The temple trust serves iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan as part of a long-standing tradition of interfaith service that started almost 40 years ago by Dada Ratanchand.
According to Siasat, he was a Hindu refugee from Sindh who moved to Chennai after the partition in 1947. He not only laid the foundation of their temple but also started the tradition of serving iftar meals to Muslim devotees.
Continuing this long-standing tradition, volunteers and members of the Sufidar Temple trust visit the Wallajah Mosque during Ramadan to serve iftar to those observing the fast. The spread typically includes dishes such as biryani, fried rice, vegetable pickles, saffron milk, and fresh fruits, reflecting a spirit of generosity and communal harmony.
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A Tradition Of Love And Compassion
Mind you, this isn’t a small gathering for just a handful of devotees. Volunteers begin preparations as early as 7:30 AM each day, cooking iftar for nearly 1,200 people. The team prepares a fully vegetarian spread, with the menu varying daily, from vegetable biryani and channa rice to sweets, for around 1,200 fasting individuals who visit the Wallajah Mosque.
You can also spot volunteers wearing traditional Muslim caps as a mark of respect, offering water and dates to devotees before serving iftar. Even Prince Nawab Abdul Ali of Arcot has praised the initiative, calling it an embodiment of secular values and neighbourly solidarity.
The Sufidar Temple is an interfaith shrine where visitors will find images of Hindu and Muslim saints, alongside figures such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and Guru Nanak. The space celebrates India’s diverse religious traditions, bringing them together in a spirit of love and unity.
Cover Image Courtesy: Facebook/sufidarchennai & Canva Pro/Zurijeta (representative image)
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