KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Alliance News): As the sun sets over Kuala Lumpur, hundreds gather at Masjid India to receive bubur lambuk, a special rice porridge that has been part of Ramadan traditions for decades.
Cooked in large pots with a blend of spices, the porridge is prepared by volunteers and distributed for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast.
Unlike other mosques, Masjid India’s bubur lambuk follows a unique Indian recipe called Nombu Kanji, making it a special part of the city’s Ramadan celebrations.
“This tradition has been passed down for generations since the 1960s,” said Imam Muhammad Nasrul Haq Abdul Latif. “Without Nombu Kanji, Ramadan at Masjid India wouldn’t feel complete.”
Every day, 140 kilograms of rice is used to prepare the porridge. It is either served in bowls to those praying at the mosque or packed into 1,000 takeaway packets, enough to feed a family of four.
The distribution of this meal is not just a tradition but also a service to the community. Imam Nasrul explained that many people, including the homeless, low-income workers, and office employees who don’t have time to cook, benefit from it.
“Providing iftar meals at mosques makes life easier for many people during Ramadan,” he said.
For Mohaiyadin Sahulhameed, an Indian-origin resident of Kuala Lumpur, the porridge brings back memories of home.
“In my village, we cook it with curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and other ingredients,” he said. “The aroma and taste are just like how we make it back home.”
The mosque’s head cook, Sathakkathullah Hameed, considers preparing the porridge his way of serving God.
“During Ramadan, helping others brings blessings,” he said. “When people eat the porridge and say ‘Bismillah’, I say ‘Alhamdulillah’ in return.”
Masjid India’s bubur lambuk tradition is a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural diversity and spirit of generosity. It brings people together, providing warmth, nourishment, and a sense of belonging during the holy month.
