Symbol of secularism in Sabarimala

GODLY WAYS: No pilgrimage to Sabarimala is considered complete without a visit to the mosque devoted to Vavar.

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Erumali (Kerala): Petta Thullal, a ceremony that personifies communal harmony, is one of the biggest attractions of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Bathed in colours, armed with clubs and arrows, and matching steps to drumbeats, devotees celebrate Ayappa's victory over Mahishi, the victory of good over evil. More than all that, it is a picture of communal harmony.

“It is only here that you get to see Hindus and Muslims performing pujas,” said a devotee from Bangalore, Harish.

No pilgrimage to Sabarimala is considered complete without a visit to this mosque devoted to Vavar, a Muslim friend of Lord Ayappa. This year too, the doors of the mosque were open to all.

“We are only more than happy to welcome the Hindu devotees who come here. The Erumeli Mosque is an integral part of this pilgrimage and we acknowledge that. Secularism is an integral part of this pilgrimage,” said M M Hasan Vilangupara.

As the Petta Thullal gets over, and devotees leave for Sabarimala to witness the Makara Jyoti, the message of co-existence is not lost on the people who attend the unique ceremony.