(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A Christian priest headlining Muslim religious festivities is unheard of, so far. But Father Severios Thomas is becoming quite popular for this.
The Kerala-based priest is trying to break religious norms by singing mappilapaattu - Malayalam Muslim folklore songs - during Eid celebrations. On Friday night, Father Thomas was the chief guest at the Indian Islamic Centre Abu Dhabi's Eid programme 'Perunnal Mohabbat'. The organisers said they couldn't find a better person to convey the message of oneness. Father Thomas didn't disappoint as he gave an inspirational speech and sung few festive songs.
"I was always interested in singing and was part of church choir. At the church, we have our own mailanchi pattu (wedding ceremony song). These are commonly sung in the Malabar region during Muslim weddings. The concept and structure of folk songs are same in all religions. When I was in Class 10, my neighbour suggested trying the mappilapaattu. I sang at weddings and stage shows and got good response," Father Thomas told Khaleej Times.
Later, he became a priest and everything took a back seat. However, the 29-year-old became a social media sensation when his mappilapaattu video went viral last October. He is now a most sought-after person at association events and stage shows in Kerala and in the Gulf region.
"I get a lot of calls from all associations in the Gulf. I fly to these places to spread message of unity. This is important, taking into account the increasing issues and problems happening in the name of religion in India.
"Instead of looking at our differences, we need to look at similarities among various religions. We will then find many beautiful common factors. If we realise this reality, then we will be able to avoid differences in the name of religion. A Christian singing a Muslim festive song turns heads and helps convey the larger message that we are all one."
Father Thomas is the Superior at St Gregorios Monastery in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district and co-vicar at St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Alleppey district.
He was to perform at an association event in Sharjah on Saturday night. Next stop is the Garden City of Al Ain on Sunday night, after which, Father Thomas will fly to Bahrain for more shows.
Ashwani Kumar
MENAFN1706201800490000ID1097029026
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