By IANS,
Thrissur (Kerala) : Breaking tradition, no one turned up at the ancient Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala for the ‘Vidyarambham’ cermony when people initiate their children into learning on Dussehra.
At this 1,500 years old masjid in Kodungalloor in Thrissur district, the tradition of Vidyarambham was started seven years ago.
But the new tradition seems to have met with an abrupt break as no one turned up for the ceremony this year.
“One or two people came to the masjid inquiring about the ceremony a few days ago. But no one turned up (today). We don’t know if there was discouragement from some quarters. We are really sad about the development,” Abdul Khayoom, the general secretary of masjid committee, told IANS.
The masjid started the practice of initiating children into learning, following request from a Hindu family staying nearby. Annually about 20 to 30 people would come to the mosque for the ceremony on Dussehra.
“Since Muslims do not have a ceremony like Vidyarambham, it is only non-Muslims who approach us,” he said.
Khayoom said, people brought their children to the masjid for initiation into learning not only on Vijayadashami day but on other days also.
“It is the Khatib (cleric) who does the initiation. We are only happy to help. I hope some people will turn up for Vidayarambham in the coming days,” he added.