“Tamil Nadu: Madras High Court upholds cultural celebrations; Model Code of Conduct shouldn’t restrict temple festivals”, Organiser, May 14, 2024:
“In a significant move that challenges the approach of Dravidian model rulers who seek to restrict Hindu temple festivals, the Madras High Court has stated that authorities cannot deny permission to hold such festivals solely on the grounds of the model code of conduct.
This ruling comes as Tamil Nadu gears up for the annual temple festivals celebrated in numerous Shiva and Vishnu temples across the state. Notable events include the celestial marriage of Madurai Meenakshi Amman, Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River, the car festival at Sri Rangam temple, the Brahmostavam in Kanchipuram, and many others.
Village temples and family deity temples also partake in these festivities, which involve daily processions culminating in fire-walking rituals. These celebrations take place during the peak summer months in Chitrai and Vaikasi. However, this year, the DMK government has expressed its intention to halt these annual temple festivals during the election period…..”
Read the full article at Organiser.org
