Devotees eagerly anticipate the upcoming celebrations of Pongal on 15 January 2024, and Thaipoosam on 25 January 2024, as they prepare to worship their beloved deity, Murugan, also known as “Dandayudhapani Swamy,” in Palani. Particularly during Thaipoosam, adherents adorn themselves with malas and adhere to strict moral codes, including fasting from the month of Karthigai in a practice known as ‘kaavadi eduthal.’
However, a recent development has caused dismay among the worshippers, as the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department (HR&CE) of Palani has allegedly denied permission to play drums as part of the celebration. Assistant Commissioner of the HR&CE department Lakshmi allegedly clarified that drumming is not permitted on top of the hill in the Arulmigu Dandayuthapani Swami Temple in Palani.
In a widely circulated Twitter video, a devotee expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I’ve been undertaking the sacred journey (Paadha yathirai) for the past five days, providing food along the paths from Thogai malai, karur. Every year, we ascend the Palani hills with drums and beats, but this year, the AC madam is preventing us, causing us distress. I’m unsure why they are prohibiting drums and beats. Please intervene and facilitate a smoother resolution.”
Yet another devotee conveyed, “This event has been a tradition for many years, and I have been participating for 42 years. I’m 56 years old now, and since the age of 19, I have been coming here every January. After worshiping from Thiru Avinankudi Temple we perform a ritual walk around the hills and then ascend the hills with drums and beats to worship Palani Andavar deity up in the hills. We have been fasting for 48 days in preparation for this spiritual journey. Please assist us; our spiritual hearts yearn for a solution. Your intervention would bring joy and contentment as we eagerly anticipate encountering the divine presence of Palani Andavar. Kindly take necessary steps in this matter and allow us to celebrate with drums and beats.” he said.
மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி மறுப்பு.. அத்துமீறும் அறநிலையத்துறை..
அருள்மிகு தண்டாயுதபாணி சாமி திருக்கோயில் பழனியில் மலையின் மேல் மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி இல்லை என்று இணை ஆணையாளர் லட்சுமி அவர்கள் கூறியுள்ளார்.
பல குடும்பங்களின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை பாதிக்கும் இந்த செயலை கண்டித்து விரைவில்… pic.twitter.com/ldAWixrV5I
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 4, 2024
In response to this decision, Hindu Munani has announced that a significant demonstration will be organized to condemn the restriction, emphasizing the potential impact on the livelihoods of many families and devotees involved in the celebrations.
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