Vinayagar Chathurthi: Idol Numbers Likely to Rise Across Tamil Nadu This Year - Kadeswara Subramaniam

Coimbatore: For the upcoming Vinayagar Chathurthi festival, the number of idols installed across Tamil Nadu is likely to increase this year, with more than 1,000 idols expected to be installed across Coimbatore, Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara Subramaniam said.

Speaking to reporters after participating in an Aadi month Manjal Neer Abhishekam programme organised by the Hindu Annaiyar Munnani at Lighthouse in Coimbatore, Hindu Munnani President Kadeswara Subramaniam said similar Manjal Neer Abhishekam and Theertha Kalasa programmes were being conducted at more than 600 locations across Tamil Nadu.

He said the organisation had been urging the State government to extend financial assistance for the preparation and distribution of temple porridge at Amman temples, on the lines of the government’s support for rice distribution during Ramzan.

Turning to the upcoming Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations, Subramaniam said around 1.5 lakh Vinayagar idols had been installed across Tamil Nadu last year, apart from smaller idols placed at around 15 lakh locations. He said the number was expected to rise this year, with more than 1,000 idols likely to be installed at various locations in Coimbatore.

He said this year’s Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations would be organised under the theme, “Tamil Culture and Sanatana Hinduism Are One”. He also noted that the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Ramagopalan would be observed this year.

On the State government’s approach towards different religious communities, he said the government had promised to ensure equal governance for people of all faiths when it assumed office. However, he said the manner in which the policy would be reflected in practice would become evident in the coming days.

He criticised the government, alleging that while there had been no direct interference in Hindu religious practices, certain actions had created an impression that the government was favourably inclined towards Christianity. He cited the public expression of Christian identity by some ministers and the Deputy Chief Minister, and also referred to the Speaker’s practice of reading the Bible.

At the same time, he welcomed the government’s approach towards democratic activities, including the granting of permission for protests.

Commenting on temple administration, Subramaniam welcomed restrictions on the use of mobile phones at places of worship.

While appreciating the HR&CE Department’s efforts to reclaim temple lands, citing cases in Palani, he raised concerns over alleged large-scale encroachments on temple properties across Tamil Nadu, including by Christian colleges, churches and mosques.

He said the issue had earlier been brought to the attention of former HR&CE Minister Sekarbabu during the DMK regime, but alleged that he was not given an opportunity to meet the minister.

Subramaniam said the organisation was ready to raise these concerns with the present government as well. While acknowledging action taken in some cases, he said further steps were needed to address the remaining encroachments.

He also appealed to the Chief Minister to extend official greetings on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government for Vinayagar Chathurthi, similar to the greetings issued for Ramzan and Christmas.