The Hindu Munnani has criticized the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department (HR&CE) department under the DMK government for banning the traditional drumming and beats known as “Kottu Mellam” during the procession of Lord Murugan at the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple in Tiruparankundram, Madurai.
Lord Murugan is depicted in his marriage adornments at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruparankundram, which is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, both local and international, who come to seek blessings, especially on auspicious marriage and full moon days. It remains a major pilgrimage and tourist destination in the Madurai district.
In response to HR&CE decision, Hindu Munnani issued a statement via social media platform X, asserting, “The Dravidian model government must cease its unwarranted interference in, and disruption of Tamil worship practices rooted in our cultural and traditional heritage. Hinduism has long embraced the practice of singing praises and celebrating through various musical instruments, including drums. Lord Shiva holds a conch, Lord Krishna wields a flute, Lord Nandi carries a mridangam, and Narada plays the veena.
It is deeply objectionable to halt the festival processions of devotees who revere Hindu deities. In Hindu society, where it is legally acceptable to use drums for festivals, weddings, and funerals, such prohibitions are a disregard for the law. The Hindu Munnani strongly denounces the DMK’s Dravidian model government in Tamil Nadu for its deliberate suppression of Hindu practices and temple festivals, which appears to be an attempt to placate minority groups for electoral gain.”
கொட்டு மேளத்துக்கு தடை!!
திருப்பரங்குன்றத்தில் மேள தாளம் இல்லாமல் நடந்த சாமி ஊர்வலம்…பல்வேறு பண்பாடு, பாரம்பரியம் கொண்ட தமிழர்களின் வழிபாட்டு முறையில் தேவையில்லாமல் தலையிட்டு சீர்குலைப்பது மற்றும் தடுத்து நிறுத்துவதை திராவிட மாடல் அரசு நிறுத்திக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்… pic.twitter.com/XXI3nkivO3
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) August 19, 2024
Hindu Munnani also released a video purportedly showing the procession without the presence of any traditional musical instruments, used as evidence to confirm the absence of these traditional drumming elements during the event.
கொட்டு மேளத்துக்கு தடை!!
திருப்பரங்குன்றத்தில் மேள தாளம் இல்லாமல் நடந்த சாமி ஊர்வலம்…#மேளதாளம் #திருப்பரங்குன்றம் #HinduCulture #DMK #TamilNews pic.twitter.com/aRPL38F0Mr— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) August 19, 2024
In January 2024, during Pongal and Thaipoosam celebrations, devotees encountered same difficulties when the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department (HR&CE) of Palani allegedly prohibited traditional drumming and beats, which are central to the worship and festivities. Reports indicate that Assistant Commissioner Lakshmi of the HR&CE department stated that drumming is not allowed at the Arulmigu Dandayuthapani Swami Temple on the Palani hills.
A widely shared video on Twitter featured a devotee expressing frustration, saying, “For the past five days, I’ve been on a sacred journey (Paadha yathirai), providing food along the paths from Thogai malai, Karur. Every year, we climb the Palani hills with drums and beats, but this year, the Assistant Commissioner is stopping us, which is causing distress. I don’t understand why the drums and beats are being prohibited. Please help us resolve this issue.”
Another devotee shared, “This tradition has been a part of my life for 42 years. At 56 years old, I have been coming here every January since I was 19. After worshiping at Thiru Avinankudi Temple, we perform a ritual walk around the hills and then ascend with drums and beats to worship Palani Andavar. We have been fasting for 48 days in preparation for this spiritual journey. Please assist us; our spiritual hearts are troubled. Your intervention would bring joy and fulfillment as we look forward to experiencing the divine presence of Palani Andavar. Please take the necessary steps to allow us to celebrate with drums and beats.”
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 reaction to the HR&CE’s decision, Hindu Munnani announced plans to organize a significant demonstration to protest the restriction, highlighting the potential impact on the livelihoods of many families and devotees involved in the celebrations.
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