Chennai Temple Serves Iftar to Muslims for 40 Years

Every Ramadan for the past 40 years, a Hindu temple in Chennai has prepared iftar meals for over a thousand Muslims breaking their fast at sunset.

The Sufidar Temple in Mylapore was founded by Dada Ratanchand, a Hindu refugee who arrived in Chennai after the 1947 Partition of India. Rather than creating a space exclusively for Hindu worship, he built something different: a temple welcoming all faiths, with images of Hindu sages, Muslim saints, Jesus, Mary, and Guru Nanak side by side.

Nearly 40 years ago, Ratanchand started a tradition that continues today. He believed compassion should transcend religious boundaries, so he began serving iftar meals to Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

The preparation starts early. Volunteers arrive at 7:30 each morning during Ramadan to begin cooking for nearly 1,200 people. The completely vegetarian menu changes daily, featuring dishes like vegetable biryani, fried rice, saffron milk, fresh fruits, and pickles.

As sunset approaches, volunteers don traditional Muslim skullcaps as a gesture of respect. They transport the meals to the historic Wallajah Mosque, where hundreds gather to break their fast.

The Ripple Effect

This simple act of service has created ripples far beyond one meal. Prince Nawab Abdul Ali of Arcot has publicly praised the tradition as a powerful example of secularism and community harmony in action.

The ritual itself tells a beautiful story: Muslims gather to pray and break their fast while Hindu volunteers serve the food with care and reverence. It's a living reminder that shared humanity matters more than the boundaries we draw.

What makes this tradition remarkable isn't just its longevity. It's the daily choice, year after year, to see neighbors as family and to make faith a bridge rather than a wall.

When compassion leads the way, unity follows naturally.