Chennai: While small eateries across Chennai are struggling to cook due to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, many mosques have turned to firewood to keep their Ramzan tradition alive — preparing ‘nombu kanji’, the porridge served to those breaking their fasts.The rice, meat and lentil porridge, slow-cooked with spices, is central to evening meals at mosques during the holy month. It is distributed to the public to break the day-long fast. With gas supplies uncertain, at least 200 of the city’s nearly 300 mosques have switched to firewood to ensure the distribution continues without interruption. “At first we thought we would have to cut back on the quantity,” said Mohammad Bilal of Kodambakkam Masjid. “But Ramzan is a time for sharing, so we decided to continue as usual. We now cook for 1,000 people,” he said. While 400 come for the prayer, at least 600 non-Muslims, too, join us for the meal, he said.Imtiaz, joint secretary of Eid Masjid in Mandaveli, said some major mosques such as Mecca Masjid on Mount Road have always relied on traditional cooking methods. “This year, many of us had to follow that example because of the gas shortage,” he said.The huge demand pushed up firewood prices. Traders said the cost of 1 tonne of firewood increased from about 8,000 to nearly 18,000. Imtiaz said their mosque recently purchased three tonnes of firewood. “It will last for about three days. We will restock again,” he added.
