Image Source: Chanakyaa
Tension prevailed in Kanyakumari district after police briefly halted a temple procession, triggering a road blockade led by BJP MLA MR Gandhi. The situation was later resolved after officials intervened and permitted the procession to continue.
As reported in Dinamalar, the incident occurred during the Panguni festival at the Bhadreswari Amman Temple. The festival, which began with the ceremonial flag hoisting, concluded with the traditional Aarattu ritual.
On the penultimate evening of the celebrations, temple idols were taken in a ceremonial procession towards the Thengapattinam coast for the ritual bath. When the procession reached Amsi junction, police stopped it and instructed organisers to proceed without drumbeats or musical instruments.
Devotees objected to the restriction, leading to a heated exchange with the police. The protest escalated when MR Gandhi joined the gathering and led a road blockade with the idols placed on the road.
The blockade caused significant traffic disruption along the Thengapattinam–Kuzhithurai highway, affecting vehicular movement for a considerable period.
Senior officials subsequently held discussions with the protesters, following which police allowed the procession to continue without restrictions. The idols were later taken to the sea for the Aarattu ritual and brought back to the temple in a concluding procession, marking the end of the festival.
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