A major political storm has broken out in Kerala following the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura. Congress and CPI(M) have accused organizers of attempting to saffronise the traditional festival through a Pune-based Nashik Dhol performance.

  • Controversy erupted during the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura over a Nashik Dhol performance.
  • Congress and CPI(M) allege an attempt at 'saffronisation' after a saffron flag was reportedly hoisted.
  • Festival organizers defend the act, claiming the flag was raised in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The historic Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura, which marks the commencement of the Onam festivities in Kerala, has become the epicenter of a fierce political confrontation. Following the event held on August 16, both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Congress have leveled serious allegations against the organizers, claiming a deliberate attempt to introduce saffron political symbols into a centuries-old cultural tradition.

The Core of the Allegation

The controversy stems from the performance of a Pune-based Nashik Dhol team. Political leaders claim that during their performance, a saffron flag was hoisted, signaling an ideological takeover of the event. Former Minister and Thripunithura MLA K. Babu expressed outrage, stating that the permission granted to the group to hoist the flag was a blatant attempt at saffronisation, a move unprecedented in the history of the Athachamayam procession.

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Further intensifying the backlash, LDF councillor E.S. Rakesh Pai alleged that the procession sub-committee bypassed the general committee's mandate to remain apolitical. He claimed the team was brought in under the guise of sponsorship and that individuals associated with RSS shakhas were positioned around the performers to communalize the atmosphere.

The intersection of religious symbolism and traditional festivals remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in Indian regional politics.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is not merely about a musical performance but reflects the shifting political landscape in Kerala. This marks the first major festival organized since the BJP assumed power in the Thripunithura municipality. The clash highlights the growing tension between traditional secular cultural expressions and the rising influence of right-wing political ideologies in the state.

In response to the outcry, Thripunithura municipal chairperson and Athaghosha committee chairman P.L. Babu dismissed the claims as politically motivated. He clarified that the decision to invite the Pune-based team was intended to enrich the procession due to time constraints. Crucially, he maintained that the flag was hoisted as a tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and had no connection to the RSS or any political organization.

Did You Know?: The Athachamayam procession is a vital cultural marker in Kerala, signaling the beginning of the harvest festival, Onam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main cause of the controversy in Thripunithura?
The controversy was triggered by the hoisting of a saffron flag during a performance by a Pune-based Nashik Dhol team during the Athachamayam procession.

2. How did the festival committee respond to the accusations?
The committee chairman stated that the flag was hoisted to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and denied any political or communal intent behind the performance.