The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister Sekar Babu has said that devotees will be allowed to visit temples even after midnight on the occasion of English New Year’s eve. This announcement goes against the Agamas and traditions of temples, many devotees and temple activists say.
Hindu Munnani head of state, Kadeswara Subramanian has issued a statement against this move of the DMK government.
In the notice he had written, “It is funny and ridiculous enough that the HR&CE minister has no knowledge about Agamas of temples. Hindu temples have distinct rituals and ways of worship. Poojas take place periodically from Morning to Night as assigned periods. Only during certain occasions, such as Siva Ratri, Vaikunta Ekadasi, are temples kept open for devotees in the night. But, the opening of temples till 12 midnight on the occasion of the English New Year is reprehensible.
Tamil Nadu Law and Order DGP had announced that no hotels or bars will be allowed to operate post 11 pm in the night and the vehicles of those who travel post 11 pm will be impounded. But, the HR&CE minister has said that we can go to temples after 11 pm. Such is the confusion present in the current DMK administration. The Hindu Munnani has already appealed to the government to ban celebrations of the English New Year which is spoiling the culture of Tamils.
In this case, opening of temples post midnight is causing anguish in the minds of Hindus. This announcement should immediately be revoked by the government. Hindu Munnani demands that we must stop cultural degradation in the name of English New Year and that we must preserve our culture heritage.”
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