Tanur: Even after the passing of the Muthavalli (mosque regent) K P Kunjibavu, known for fostering communal harmony, 71-year-old Kumarettan of Vakkanaparambil continues his humble duty of cleaning the main Juma mosque at the Tanur bus stand every Friday, just as he has for the past three decades.

The father of Kunjibavu, the late Imbichi Haji, had built a small mosque years ago. It was Kunjibavu, head of Putheri House, who reconstructed it into a two-storied mosque where thousands gather to offer prayers.

For the past 30 years, Kumaran has been visiting the mosque every Friday morning. He begins by sweeping, followed by cleaning the rostrum and the ablution area. By the time devotees arrive, all prayer mats are cleaned and ready. He also joined the funeral procession of Kunjibavu to the Nadakkavu mosque.

Sameer Pootheri, Associate Professor in the Audiology Department at Kozhikode Medical College and son of Kunjibavu, said that just as his father did, he would continue to enlist Kumaran for mosque duties. Kumarettan is determined to continue cleaning the mosque as long as his health permits. People in the locality too share the same view.