Last Updated:May 02, 2025, 12:30 IST
In Udyavaram, Hindus and Muslims uphold an 800-year-old tradition of unity during the annual Jatrotsava. Deities of Sri Arasu temple invites Muslims to join in festivities
As part of the tradition, the deities of the Sri Arasu temple are ceremonially taken to the Udyavara Yasam Jamaat Mosque to formally invite the Muslim community to participate in the festivities. (Local18)
Amid ongoing religious tensions across various parts of the world, a centuries-old tradition in the southern Indian state of Kerala stands as a beacon of interfaith unity.
In the village of Udyavaram, located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, Hindu and Muslim communities continue to observe a unique ritual that symbolises mutual respect and religious harmony.
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A Symbol Of Unity
For over 800 years, the annual Jatrotsava (Festival of the Gods) at the Udyavara Arasu Manjishnar Kshetra has included a remarkable gesture of inclusivity.
As part of the tradition, the deities of the Sri Arasu temple are ceremonially taken to the Udyavara Yasam Jamaat Mosque to formally invite the Muslim community to participate in the festivities. This custom remains unchanged, serving as a powerful example of communal solidarity.
The Annual Ritual
The ritual takes place on the first Friday following the solar transition into Aries. This year, the visit occurred on the second Friday afternoon. The deities departed from the Bhandara house of the Udyavar Kshetra and arrived at the mosque by 1:30 pm, greeted by mosque administrators and a large gathering of Muslim devotees who had just completed their Friday prayers.
In keeping with tradition, the Muslim community received the deities with warmth and reverence. The invitation was then formally extended for the Mada Urs Deity Festival, scheduled to be held in front of the mosque from May 8 to 11. The event continues to highlight the deep-rooted ties between the two faiths.
Nemotsava: A Day Of Mutual Respect
During the Nemotsava day of the festival, special seating is arranged within the temple premises for officials from the Jamaat. Jasmine flowers, blessed by the temple deities, are distributed among Muslim attendees as a symbol of goodwill. This inclusive celebration draws both Hindus and Muslims together, reflecting a long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
As communal tensions persist in other regions, the people of Udyavaram quietly reaffirm that unity across religious lines is not only possible but also enduring.
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Location :Kerala, India, India
First Published:News lifestyle In This Kerala Village, Hindu Deities Visit A Mosque To Invite Muslims To The Annual Fair