Two separate incidents in Kerala have triggered controversy and protests after students observing the Sabarimala vratham were reportedly denied entry to classrooms for wearing black clothes, a traditional practice during the 41-day austerity period.
Guruvayoor School Bars Class 3 Student; Child Absent for 11 Days
About a week ago, on 12 November 2025, a dispute emerged at Sree Gokulam Public School in Guruvayoor, Thrissur, where a Class 3 student was reportedly barred earlier this month for wearing black as part of the vratham, as reported in India Today. The school reiterated that only the official uniform is allowed on campus.
Speaking to reporters, school principal Latha Manjo said that the school follows a strict uniform policy and that every student admitted is required to adhere to it. She said the management is obligated to take action if the policy is violated.
According to the parents, the boy has been observing the vratham since 1 November 2025 and has not attended school for 11 days following the incident. The school said the uniform policy is clarified during admissions.
Hindu Aikyavedi Holds Protest Outside School
Members of the Hindu Aikyavedi held a Namajapa Prathishedham (prayer protest) outside Sree Gokulam Public School on 11 November 2025, accusing the institution of showing insensitivity toward Hindu religious practices.
Protesters carried a banner that read: “Faith and education are rights of the students guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. What authority does Gokulam School have to deny that?”
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BJP Pavaratty–Guruvayoor mandalam general secretary Ginish PG, who joined the protest, said schools in the region had previously allowed black attire during Mandala season. He added that a decade ago, the same school faced a similar issue which was resolved after intervention.
Wearing HIJAB hiding identity through out year is FREEDOM of Choice
But following your Sanatan
Sanskriti for 41 days is violation of school rulesHypocrisy Hypocrisy Hypocrisy pic.twitter.com/vx249ufR90
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) November 17, 2025
Ginish said discussions with the school management this time failed, and the parents have decided to transfer the child to another school. The organisation is also considering approaching the court.
Students in Thrissur Sent Out of Class for Wearing Black
On 18 November 2025, at the Alagappa Nagar Panchayat Government Higher Secondary School in Thrissur, two Plus Two science students were asked to leave the classroom after they attended school wearing black attire as part of their Sabarimala vratham, as reported in Kerala Kaumudi.
Teachers reportedly told the students they could only attend class in the prescribed uniform. The issue surfaced after the students informed their parents, prompting BJP, Congress, CPM workers and panchayat officials to reach the campus.
BJP members demanded an apology from the teachers involved. The situation was resolved after a discussion led by Puthukkad SHO Adam Khan, where school authorities agreed to allow students to wear black clothing during the vratham period.
Religious Practice and School Rules Clash
During the Sabarimala vratham, devotees traditionally wear black or dark blue as a marker of simplicity and detachment. The austerity period begins in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam and continues until the Mandala Pooja in December.
While schools insist on uniform enforcement, Hindu groups argue that temporary accommodations during the 41-day vratham are reasonable and have been previously practiced.
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