Chennai temple serving Iftar meals to Muslims for over 40 years during Ramzan
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For over four decades, the Sufidar Temple in Chennai has upheld a tradition of interfaith harmony by providing Iftar meals to fasting Muslims during the month of Ramzan, strengthening communal bonds in the city.
Established by Dada Ratanchand, a Hindu refugee from Sindh who settled in Chennai after the Partition of India in 1947, the practice has evolved into a daily initiative where volunteers ensure that hundreds of people receive nourishing meals at the time of breaking their fast.
Each evening, volunteers from the temple prepare and transport vegetarian meals to the Wallajah Mosque in Triplicane, where around 1,200 fasting Muslims benefit from the service, The Sisat Daily reported.
The menu, which changes regularly, includes dishes such as vegetable biryani and channa rice, along with sweets, ensuring that those observing the fast receive wholesome nourishment.
Volunteers, in a gesture of respect, sometimes wear traditional Muslim caps while serving water and dates to those who have been fasting for over 13 hours in the sweltering Chennai heat.
The initiative traces its roots to a visit from members of the Arcot royal family, who were impressed by the temple’s cleanliness and dedication to service, leading to a collaborative effort between Hindu and Muslim volunteers to sustain the tradition.
Food preparation takes place at the temple and is transported to the mosque by 5:30 pm, ensuring timely distribution at Iftar. Beyond religious divides, the temple fosters an environment of inclusivity, with its walls adorned with images of Sufi saints, Hindu deities, Jesus Christ, and Sikh Gurus, reflecting its broader mission of mutual understanding.
The legacy of Dada Ratanchand continues to inspire new generations of volunteers, who dedicate themselves to the initiative out of a shared spirit of compassion and service. The meals also reach underprivileged Hindu individuals who gather outside the mosque, ensuring that the project serves the wider community.