Devotees were left disappointed after the Yali Vahana procession scheduled as part of the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram was cancelled on Monday night, marking the second disruption to a major festival procession within two days, as reported in Dinamani.
The annual Vaikasi Brahmotsavam commenced on 28 May 2026 with the ceremonial flag hoisting and has been proceeding with various religious events. While the first three days of the festival were conducted as scheduled, the fourth-day Naga Vahana procession was reportedly cancelled shortly after it began due to a crack in the carrying beam used to bear the deity. Temple authorities subsequently returned the deity to the temple.
On the fifth day of the festival, Varadaraja Perumal and Nachiyar were taken in a golden palanquin procession through various streets before returning to the temple around 8 p.m. Preparations were then made for the Yali Vahana procession, with the deity adorned in special decorations and mounted on the Yali Vahanam.
However, after the procession left the temple premises and reached Sannadhi Street, temple authorities abruptly announced its cancellation and brought the deity back to the temple’s Vahana Mandapam. The sudden decision shocked devotees, many of whom had gathered along the route and waited for hours to witness the procession.
The repeated cancellation of festival processions has triggered criticism of the temple administration, with devotees questioning whether the remaining Brahmotsavam events would proceed as scheduled.
The controversy deepened after allegations surfaced on social media regarding the circumstances behind the cancellation. A devotee wrote on X alleging that when concerns were raised with officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department over the cancellation of the centuries-old Yali Vahana procession, they were informed that the decision had been taken on the instructions of HR&CE Minister Ramesh.
Dear @CMOTamilnadu, when we approached @tnhrcedept over the AC’s cancellation of centuries old Yali vahana procession of Kanchi Devarajaswamy Temple, it was stated that the order came from @RameshOffcl. How can a minister of a secular government interfere in a religious ritual?
— Aravindalochanan Govindan (@aravindgov) June 2, 2026
Devotees questioned how a minister in a secular government could interfere in a religious ritual and sought an explanation from the government regarding the alleged intervention.
No official statement has been issued by the HR&CE Department or the Minister responding to the allegation.
Meanwhile, devotees have demanded clarity from temple authorities regarding the reasons for the repeated cancellations and expressed concern that disruptions to long-standing religious traditions could hurt the sentiments of Vaishnavite worshippers.
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