Thousands Unite for 852nd Santhanakoodu Festival at Erwadi Dargah, Symbolizing Communal Harmony

Thousands of devotees from diverse religious backgrounds gathered at the Erwadi Dargah in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, to celebrate the 852nd Santhanakoodu festival. The event, dedicated to the saint Kuthbu Sultan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Oliullah Badusha Nayagam, commenced on April 18 and featured key rituals including flag-hoisting and the procession of the sacred cloth (Porvai). On May 11, the Santhanakoodu was transported via a decorative chariot to the shrine, where special prayers were held, and the tomb was adorned with silk cloths and sandalwood paste. Participants included Muslims, Hindus, and Christians from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, highlighting the festival's role in promoting social harmony. To support the influx of pilgrims, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operated special buses, while over 500 police personnel ensured security. A local holiday was declared in Ramanathapuram district, and a medical camp was established on-site. Organized by the Dargah Haqdar Committee, the festival is scheduled to conclude on May 18 with the lowering of the flag and the distribution of Nei Choru.