In a remarkable contrast to typical public gatherings especially in Tamil Nadu, the recently held Murugan Devotees Conference in Madurai organized by the Hindu Munnani has received widespread praise not only for its massive turnout but also for the discipline and cleanliness maintained throughout the event. What stood out even more was an unexpected observation from TASMAC employees that liquor sales remained unchanged during the conference, unlike the usual surge seen during political rallies or other public events.
Typically, large-scale political meetings in Madurai bring in thousands of people, many of whom are transported in buses and vans arranged by organizers. Often, such gatherings involve daily-wage attendees, mobilized by agents. These events usually lead to increased liquor consumption, evident in the heavy sales at TASMAC outlets, and leave behind a trail of litter plastic waste and empty liquor bottles scattered across the grounds.
However, during the recent Murugan Devotees Conference, things unfolded very differently. Despite a crowd of lakhs, the venue remained pristine. No liquor bottles, no plastic trash just a well-managed, clean space. Even after the event ended, volunteers from Hindu Munnani and other groups stayed behind to clean and organize the area. By the next morning, Amma Thidal, the venue was spotless, with all chairs neatly arranged and not a trace of the massive crowd that had gathered.
No TASMAC Sales?
TASMAC officials confirmed that they anticipated a spike in liquor sales, as is usually the case during such large gatherings. Shops in both divisions of Madurai—North and South—had stocked up in expectation. Yet, the sales data told a different story. On 14 and 15 June 2025 – 9,415 and 10,900 bottles were sold, respectively. On 21 and 22 June 2025, which coincided with the conference, the sales were 9,140 and 11,200 bottles—figures that show no significant increase.
TASMAC officials remarked, “Normally, political events lead to a noticeable jump in liquor sales in the surrounding areas. But during the Murugan devotees’ gathering, we saw no such spike. The devotees stayed away from liquor shops, reflecting the event’s spiritual focus and disciplined crowd. If this had been a political rally, the revenue from alcohol sales would have been substantially higher.”
Aside from TASMAC outlets, around 80 private establishments—clubs, bars, and hotels—operating in the Madurai district also reported no noticeable rise in liquor sales during the event.
This disciplined and dignified behavior by Hindu devotees has set a new benchmark for public gatherings, both in terms of crowd conduct and cleanliness. It has highlighted the difference between faith-driven events and typical political mobilizations, with the former emphasizing spiritual focus and social responsibility over indulgence.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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