Ujra Mosque

Ujra Mosque in Kavaratti was built in the 17th century by Sheikh Mohammad Qasim, a Sufi saint. It has no tall minarets; instead its sloping tiled roofs, suited to the island's frequent rain, recall the coastal temples of Kerala. Each wooden pillar carries its own carved pattern, and the ceiling and verandah are richly worked. The timber was brought from Mangalore on the mainland, and local tradition credits the Mukris, island sailors, with carving it during their voyages.

Two wells and tanks behind the mosque hold water that devotees believe can cure illness. On Monday and Friday nights, once the final prayer is over, the community gathers for the Rathib, a ritual of chanting and prayer that continues through the night. The saint's Urs is observed here every year and draws pilgrims from far afield.