MUSLIM
FESTIVALS
The Kandoori festival is celebrated in the month of
Rabivassani.
The ancient mosque at Pottalpudur in Tirunelveli district in
respect of sanctity as famous as the mosque at Nagore in Thanjavur
district. The former mosque is dedicated to Mohideen Andavur who is said
to be descendant of the prophet. A close disciple of his, by name Olivilla Kadhari is believed to have built this mosque in Pottal
pudur.
The Kondoori festival lasts for eleven days and is marked by daily
prayers at the mosque. Many of the festival have the features of the ceremonies
performed on the Hindu temples. Holy ash made of turmeric, ghee and sandal is
distributed at this festival to the devotees. Devotees offer their prayers
and make contributions in money and in silver models of limbs, eyes, etc. to thank God for fulfillment of their vows.
Devotees who have some
bodily ailments appeal to the Andavar and take vows that on restoration to
normal health. They would make suitable presents. Sheep and fowl are
sacrificed. Sandal paste prepared in large quantities is offered to Andavar and then distributed to the eager crowds of
the Hindus and Muslims. At Nagore, there is a shrine for Saint Hazeroth Sayid
Shake Hamid Quadir Wali who is believed to confer his blessings profusely,
on his worshippers, irrespective of their faith. Many miracles are attributed to
the Saint such as saving the crew
of leaky ship.
Offerings made at this shrine include flower,
sandal paste, sugar, incense and money. On one of the days of the festival, one of the
descendants of the saint is chosen as a peer or spiritual leader and
honoured with offerings.
The tenth day is very important for anointing
Saint's tomb with
sandal-paste. Sandal is placed in a silver vessel, put in a Chandanakkoodu or
decorated chariot. The High priest or Kaleefa performs the anointing
ceremony. Afterwards he becomes unconscious and is carried home with
police escort. On regaining consciousness, he distributes sandal paste to the
waiting public.
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