Eid al-Fitr heritage walk in Coimbatore: Explore Athar Jamath mosque and Karumbukadai

Theatre group CATS is organising a guided Eid walk in Coimbatore on March 30 to explore Athar Jamath Masjid, Big Bazaar Street, and Karumbukadai

As Coimbatore prepares for Eid al-Fitr, a heritage walk invites residents to step into the heart of the celebrations. Organised by KV Siddhartha of Coimbatore Art and Theatrical Society (CATS), the Talk-A-Walk Eid special will take participants through some of the city’s most vibrant areas — Athar Jamath Masjid, Big Bazaar Street, and Karumbukadai.

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramzan, is a time of spiritual renewal, community gatherings, and festive indulgence. During the month of Ramzan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, breaking their fast at sunset with iftar — often starting with dates. The festival itself is a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, where families come together for prayers, feasting, and charity.

It is this spirit of festivity that Siddhartha hopes to capture in the Talk-A-Walk event. “The heritage walks we conduct have been going on for a couple of years, but this is the first time we’re formally organising one around Eid,” he says. “Last year, my wife and I visited Karumbukadai and were captivated by the vibrant colours and atmosphere. I felt others should experience it too, to better relate to the occasion.”

The walking route

The walk will commence at the Athar Jamath Masjid, a mosque deeply rooted in Coimbatore’s history. “It was established by perfume traders from Tirunelveli, which is why it is named after athar (perfume),” Siddhartha explains. “Unlike some of the more ornamental mosques, it is relatively simple, yet significant.”

From the mosque, participants will move through the bustling Big Bazaar area, where markets, roadside eateries, and local vendors will be in full swing, preparing for Eid. “This event is not just about fasting — there is a lot of feasting and shopping involved,” Siddhartha says. “I can safely assume that the roadside shops and eateries will be packed with people buying sweets, clothes, and other festival essentials.”

The final leg of the walk will take participants to Karumbukadai, a locality known for its strong cultural identity. “We’ll drive under the flyover and explore the area, but the walk needs a clear start and end point,” Siddhartha explains.