The Kadakkal Devi Temple has previously faced political controversy. In 2023, the Kerala High Court intervened after a petition challenged the use of temple grounds for the Nava Kerala Sadas, a government event
Published Mar 15, 2025 | 5:20 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 15, 2025 | 5:20 PM
Political controversy erupts over musical programme at Kadakkal Thiruvathira Festival
Synopsis: A musical programme during the Kadakkal Thiruvathira festival in Kollam has sparked controversy after CPI(M) campaign songs and revolutionary anthems were performed with party flags. Critics, especially on social media, accused organisers of politicising the temple event. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan criticised the inclusion of political slogans and Pushpan’s song, questioning its relevance to a temple setting. Videos from the event went viral, fuelling the debate
A musical programme held during the Kadakkal Thiruvathira festival in Kollam has sparked criticism after CPI(M) campaign songs and revolutionary anthems were performed against the backdrop of party and DYFI flags.
Critics, particularly on social media, accused the event organisers of politicising the temple festival for campaigning purposes.
The event, led by Ghazal singer Aloshi Adam, featured songs about Pushpan, a DYFI worker injured during the 1994 Koothuparamba police firing, who remained bedridden until his death in September 2024. The performance took place on 10 March, the ninth day of the festival.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan indirectly criticised the event, questioning the appropriateness of slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” and the inclusion of Pushpan’s song in a temple setting.
He noted that videos from the event had been widely shared on social media, fueling the controversy.
In response, festival committee office bearers clarified that the songs were performed at the request of the audience.
This incident is not the first time the Kadakkal Devi Temple has been embroiled in political controversy.
In 2023, the Kerala High Court intervened after a petition was filed against using the temple grounds for the Nava Kerala Sadas, a government outreach programme led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The court ordered that the venue be shifted, and any temporary structures be removed.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which oversees the temple, has sought an explanation from the Temple Advisory Committee regarding the recent political event.
The Board stressed that, in line with a Kerala High Court directive, political, caste, or religious symbols should not be displayed within temple premises.
The TDB reiterated its commitment to enforcing the court’s ruling, highlighting that certain religious organisations conducting activities in Devaswom temples would not be permitted.
The Board urged temple authorities to remain vigilant to ensure adherence to the court’s directive, reinforcing that temples should remain spaces for prayer and worship.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
