Quran not recited at Karnataka temple fest as groups oppose old custom

HASSAN: The management committee of Chennakeshava temple in Karnataka's Belur said verses of the Quran were not recited during the annual Brahmarathotsava that ended on Tuesday amid tight security, following hardline groups' demand to do away with the age-old custom of a moulvi attending the event and saying portions from the holy book.
"After accepting cash and grains handed over by the temple committee, he only offered 'mujure' (thanksgiving prayer)," said Narayana Swamy, head of the committee. He said moulvi Sajjad Basha Khadri Saheb had issued a written confirmation that he didn't recite the Quran. The groups had earlier submitted a memorandum to register their opposition to the ritual of reciting Quranic verses during Rathotsava.