Setting a noble example, Udupi's Sri Krishna temple organises Iftar dinner
In a first, Udupi's famous Krishna mutt witnessed an Iftar dinner. Organised by the temple's administration and members of the Muslim community, it was a positive step towards achieving communal harmony.
More than 150 members of the community attended the 'Souharda Upahara Koota', held at the temple's dining hall.
According to a report by The Hindu, the historic event was mooted by Shri Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt, who is presently in his fifth Paryaya. A gathering of Muslims broke their fast at 6:59 pm and were served banana, watermelon, apple, dates, and cashew along with ‘kashaya’, which is made of black pepper. Swami Vishwesha Tirtha also helped by serving dates to the members who attended the ceremony and asked that the people of Karnataka live in peace and harmony.
According to Indian Express, the holy seer said,
People from all religions must be tolerant and co-exist peacefully. Muslims have shown lot of affection for me in Mangaluru, Kasaragod, and Bhatkal. They have given their offering during the Paryaya festival. God is one to all mankind. Hindus and Muslims should live together in harmony. When there was an attempt to gherao Sri Krishna Temple, Muslims came forward to defend the mutt. There is history where both communities have co-existed peacefully in Udupi. It should become the model for people in Karnataka.
After the fast was broken, the Muslims went on to offer namaz in the temple premises under the guidance of Maulana Innayatullah, Imam of the Anjuman Masjid. MA Gafoor, Chairman of the Minorities Development Corporation for the state of Karnataka, said,
The Iftar koota and offering of namaz at a temple is a historic decision and a great sign of communal harmony shown by the Pejawar Mutt.
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