Chorulla Palli WhatsApp Group: An Interesting Ramadan Trend From Kerala
Calicut, Kerala: As the crescent moon ushered in the holy month of Ramadan across the verdant landscape of Kerala this February, a modern digital phenomenon is once again set to take centre stage among the mosque going believers, especially the youth – if an interesting trend from last year is any cue. Last year, in the narrow lanes of Kozhikode and the sprawling neighbourhoods of Malappuram, the phrase “Chorulla Palli” — literally translating to “the mosque with meal” — was no longer just a descriptive term. It had become a viral digital movement, co-ordinated via WhatsApp, that redefined how the younger generation engages with age-old traditions of charity and community. Chorulla Palli WhatsApp groups were not just chat groups, but they turned out to become the perfect solution for survival for many youth who found it difficult to meet ends.
There is a history for all these Chorulla Palli WhatsApp groups, which obviously evolved with the growth of messenger services and the penetration of internet to the rural regions of India. What began in 2024 as a series of casual, almost tongue-in-cheek chat groups, evolved in 2025 into a sophisticated, mass-coordinated effort. These WhatsApp communities, often boasting more than 1,000 members each, served a singular, vital purpose: providing real-time updates on which local Masjids are serving full meals for Iftar or the late night prayer, known as Taraweeh.
Traditionally, every mosque in Kerala facilitates the breaking of the fast with a modest spread of dates, fresh fruits, and perhaps a few snacks or Thari Kanji (a soothing semolina porridge). However, many mosques go a step further, providing substantial meals such as Ghee Rice, Malabar Biryani, Porotta-Beef curry or the increasingly popular Kuzhi Mandi.
Chorulla Palli WhatsApp Groups
For the uninitiated, navigating which mosque offers what can be a gamble. Entered the ‘Chorulla Palli’ and ‘Mandiyulla Palli’ WhatsApp groups. These digital hubs displayed meticulously curated lists including the name of the Masjid, the specific menu for the evening—be it beef curry or chicken Mandi—and precise Google Maps locations.
Imagine this scenario: You are from Kozhikode and you are visiting the interiors of Malappuram district observing fast, and comes across a mosque in Manjeri or Areacode with Iftar arranagements with good meal. It acts like a mosque-based langar for you (This writer overheard this last year while sharing a lift of a prominent business park: “The mosque near by this office does not provide heavy food. They have only the normal menu for the Iftar with dates, lime juice and snacks. But, the second mosque in Palazhi road has varieties of food each day – Biriyani, Kuzhi Manthi and Porotta-Beef.)
“It started as a bit of fun among friends last year,” said Dhanish Rahman C, an admin of one such group from Kizhisseri, Malappuram, in 2025. “But we soon realised it was actually a lifeline for people who aren’t at home. Hostellers, migrant workers, and long-distance travellers often struggle to find a proper meal after a long day of fasting. These groups guide them to a ‘Chorulla Palli’ nearby where they can eat comfortably.”
The trend is undeniably driven by Gen Z, who have married their digital fluency with the spirit of Ramadan. To the believers, the month brings double rewards for good deeds, and many participants view the sharing of information as a form of Sadaqah (charity).
By 2025, the trend had already gained significant traction, but in 2026, the trend is expected to reach new level of “collective crowdsourcing.” Users are often members of multiple groups, cross-posting information to ensure that no one goes hungry. The admins simply facilitate the platform; the true “key players” are the thousands of followers who send in live updates from their respective localities as soon as the day’s menu is announced at their local mosque.
Chorulla Palli WhatsApp Group: An Interesting Ramadan Trend From Kerala
However, the trend last year was not without its teething problems. The sheer efficiency of these WhatsApp groups has occasionally led to an “Iftar Rush” that local mosque committees find difficult to manage.
“Sometimes the response is overwhelming,” noted a regular volunteer at a mosque in Calicut. “We prepare food for a certain number of guests based on our local community. When a group with 1,200 members suddenly broadcasts our menu, we can see a sudden influx of visitors. There have been evenings where the food ran out much faster than expected, causing a bit of a headache for the organisers.”
Despite these logistical hiccups, the spirit remains overwhelmingly positive. Most mosques had begun to adapt, either by increasing their quantities or by viewing the crowds as a blessing.
The “Chorulla Palli” trend is more than just a search for a free meal; it is a practice to the unique social fabric of Kerala in general and the promotion of charity special among Muslims. It highlights a community that is eager to share, and a younger generation that is using technology to ensure that the tradition of hospitality remains accessible to all.
As Ramadan 2026 is already here, these Chorulla Palli groups are expected to become even more active. For the students in Perinthalmanna or the sales executives in Ernakulam, a quick check of their WhatsApp notifications will now be as much a part of the Iftar ritual as the first sip of water.
