A stop memo issued by revenue authorities, of the CPI(M) led Pinarayi Vijayan government, halting riverbank construction linked to Kerala’s proposed Kumbh Mela-style ‘Maha Magha’ festival has triggered a sharp confrontation between organisers, the state administration, and political actors, with allegations of religious interference countered by claims of environmental violations by the authorities.
The order pertains to construction activity on the banks of the Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya, where preparations are underway for the Maha Magha festival scheduled to be held from 18 January to 3 February 2026, near the historic Nava Mukunda Temple.
Festival Projected as ‘Kerala’s Kumbh Mela’
The Maha Magha festival is being promoted by organisers as Kerala’s version of the Kumbh Mela, aimed at reviving the ancient Maha Makham tradition that was historically held every 12 years during the reign of the Chera rulers. The event also draws symbolic links to the Mamankam tradition historically associated with Thirunavaya.
Leading the initiative, Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, said preparations for the event had commenced only after applications were submitted to the authorities. He claimed that construction of basic facilities, including a temporary bridge across the Bharathapuzha, was undertaken following informal clearance from officials.
Swami Anandavanam Bharathi further stated that authorities had earlier advised organisers to proceed, citing delays caused by the model code of conduct for local body elections.
Administration Cites Environmental Violations
The stop memo was issued by the Thirunavaya Village Office, directing organisers to halt construction work. The order cited alleged encroachment into the river and the use of heavy machinery to level portions of the riverbed.
Officials stated that such activities violate provisions of the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001, which is intended to protect fragile river ecosystems, including the Bharathapuzha.
The Malappuram District Administration clarified that the stop memo does not prohibit the religious festival itself but applies only to unauthorised construction along the riverbank. Authorities stressed that environmental safeguards cannot be diluted, even for large-scale religious gatherings.
Organisers Cry Foul Over Timing
Organisers disputed the administration’s claims, alleging that the intervention came at the eleventh hour. They said construction had already reached an advanced stage and that repeated site inspections by officials earlier had raised no objections.
Swami Anandavanam Bharathi asserted that the Maha Magha mahotsavam would proceed as planned, stating that spiritual gatherings and religious rituals could not be halted through administrative orders.
The issue acquired a political dimension after senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticised the stop memo, calling it illegal and an infringement on religious freedom.
In a public statement, Rajasekharan alleged a conspiracy to sabotage what he described as the “Kumbh Mela of Kerala,” and said the festival was rooted in Kerala’s civilisational and religious history linked to Thirunavaya.
Source: Mathrubhumi
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