Ramanathapuram, Sept. 27 -- Members of the Hindu community in Pillaiyarkulam village in Ramanathapuram district have gathered to celebrate the Arakasu Amman Muslim Kanduri Equality Festival during the Tamil month of Purattasi, continuing a century-old tradition of interfaith harmony.

The tradition traces back 100 years, when a Muslim woman named Arakasu stayed in Pillaiyarkulam village, made a good vow to all Hindus, and was buried at the site upon her passing. Since then, local Hindus have been worshipping Arakasu Amma by erecting a dargah at the location.

Every year during this auspicious month, the villagers of Pillaiyarkulam gather to collect a village tax, paint the Arakasu Amman temple, and decorate the premises with electric ligh...