Protests have recently erupted in the southern Indian state of Kerala in response to an instance of offending the Hindu custom of the palanquin parade.  The event occurred during a protest march organised by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) state secretary MV Govindan, during which a symbolic procession carrying a palanquin with the CPM insignia was carried out.

The Onattukara Jiva Thirumudi Ezhunnallat Samrakshak Samiti, different Hindu organisations, and the temple preservation committee have all spoken out against the CPM for disrespecting temple rituals. The protest demonstration and meeting will be organised jointly by numerous Hindu organisations to express their outrage at the “infidels who insulted and mutilated Jiva Ezhunnallat, the most important part of the Hindu temple rituals of Onnatukara by hurting the sentiments of devotees.”

The organisers have requested that all Hindus unite to oppose such arrogance, which continuously undermines Hindu ceremonies. “We need to understand why they don’t interfere with other religions’ rituals.” We are in this scenario again because we are not prepared to respond. We are opposing this move that takes advantage of our custom, tradition, and faith. Participate in the demonstration and help it succeed as a self-respecting believer, as a Hindu,” the organisers said. Hindu organisations have expressed fury over the event, accusing the CPM of insulting their religious values. The CPM has yet to make a statement about the tragedy or the protests.

A Place Of Utmost Importance For Hindus

Onattukara is considered a culturally significant place for Hindus because it is believed to be the location where Mahabali, also known as Maveli, offered his head to Vamana. This event is celebrated annually during the Onam festival, which is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus in Kerala. Additionally, the region has several temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and others. These temples have mythological and historical significance and are important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The presence of a statue of Buddha in the area also highlights the region’s past as a Buddhist civilization, which adds to the cultural diversity and historical significance of Onattukara for Hindus.

Onattukara, a feudal kingdom in Kerala, has a long history dating back to the 12th century. It is known as the ‘Land of Onam’ as it is believed to be where Mahabali, also known as Maveli, offered his head to Vamana. The capital of Onattukara, Mavelikkara, which means ‘The Land of Maveli’, is a culturally significant place and the cultural capital of Alappuzha. Mavelikkara has produced many famous artists and is home to a statue of Buddha, which is rare in Kerala. This statue serves as a reminder of the region’s past as a Buddhist civilization during the Onattukara dynasty.

The Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple is another popular attraction, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to have been an ancient Buddhist site due to its unique architecture. The temple also has 12 sub-deities, including Vishnu, Ganapathy, and Subramanyan, and is one of the famous 108 Shiva temples in the world. The Evoor Krishnaswamy Temple is an important temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and is Onattukara’s Guruvayur. It is one of the 26 significant shrines of Lord Vishnu and has mythological associations with Khandava Dahanam, a scene from the Mahabharata. According to legend, Kanva Maharishi, one of the Saptarishis, lived in this area.

Anti-Hindu Left In Kerala

The ‘anti-Hindu’ nature of left in Kerala is anchored on two prime beliefs, one is that, unification of Hindu’s for their own cause will shatter vote base of Communist in the state and second is that, constant anti-Hindu stance might secure them vote of minorities which are alluding the left. But, in both scenario Hindu’s are taken for granted as mere rubber stamps who will vote for the party in the state. (More than 50% of left vote in Kerala are Hindus).

If we look back in to the two terms of current Pinarayi Vijayan government, the pattern of constant ‘Anti-Hindu’- ‘Minority appeasement’ policy measures are visible. During the first term of Pinarayi Vijayan government, there was a diktat against government employees using office hours for Onam celebrations and PWD minister at that time G. Sudhakaran’s also stated that lighting of ‘Nilavilakku’ (tradional lamp) and religious prayer should be avoided at government functions. In both these matters, was following the lines of the Muslim League which views ‘Nilavilakku’ and ‘Pookalam’ (flower rangoli) as a religious symbol.

One must understand that, in traditions and customs of Kerala, both views ‘Nilavilakku’ and ‘Pookalam’ have an indispensable role as it represents good luck for conducting any fuctions. Onam and ‘Nilavilaku’ has always been considered more as symbol of Kerala rather than symbol of religions. By issuing the diktat the CM toed the line of extremist Islamic fringe groups. Later after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Sabarimala issue, the left in Kerala took a stance on entry of women into Sabarimala temple, which was also against the Hindu beliefs and traditions.

Meanwhile, in issues of Muslims in the state, the left always had taken a softer approach. In early 2022, during the event of “Jana Maha Sammelanam”, organised by the Popular Front of India (PFI), the mob assembled warned Hindus and Christians of dire consequences if they did not live peacefully in the country. Most shocking incident was slogans raised by a little boy in the event. The boy shouted, “Be ready for your death rituals if you won’t live in our land quietly. Be ready with rice flakes to fill your mouth, if you won’t live quietly (For Hindus). Be ready to burn amber in your home if you won’t live quietly (For Christians). Because we are coming, we are your death. We won’t go to Pakistan or Bangladesh, you have to live here as we say, or else we know how to make you live quietly, we will kill you even if we are attacked. We take pride in being a martyr, we salute them. If you won’t live quietly, we know how to ask for ‘Azadi’. Be prepared for your death,” the PFI members shouted in Malayalam.

The left government in the state was slow to respond to this dangerous incident showcasing their nature of minority appeasement. One must also not forget when The Kerala government vouched for the legal and Constitutional validity of the Shariat law by holding it as the “real expression of the Prophet” upholding its significance in all aspects of the Muslim Personal Law, especially on law of inheritance. The state appeased minorities by upholding an archaic law which is being rejected even by the Muslims itself. In another instance there was the district administration’s direction to the Vellayani Devi Temple to use politically neutral colours for festival decorations. The restriction on the temple from using only saffron-coloured decorations and flags as part of Kaliyoottu festival was forced up on by Communist administration and the police citing law and order provisions. But ultimately the Court and the devotees stood up against the fascist attitude of ruling communist government. The pattern of abuse of Hindu rituals and customs by ruling Left in Kerala is a disturbing trend which needs to be checked and resisted.

These instances are just tip of an iceberg; the pattern adopted by Communist government in the state is clear. It is based on appeasement of minorities and ‘anti-Hindu’ agenda. The left should not be left alone to do as they please, the hypocrisy of party must be exposed and Hindus in the state must understand how they are being manipulated and divided by those in power.

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