Mangaluru: A protest erupted on Monday over the inclusion of non-Hindu political and public figures in the invitation card for cultural programmes organised as part of the Kiru Shashti festival at the Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple. Members of the Sri Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti staged a demonstration in front of the temple’s administrative office, alleging that the move violated the sanctity and traditional practices of the shrine.
The controversy arose after the Muzrai department authorities printed invitation cards carrying the names of Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader, MLC Ivan D’Souza, and several other non-Hindu leaders as invitees for the inaugural cultural programme scheduled for Monday evening.
Samiti stages protest at temple office
Members of the Sri Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti gathered near the administrative office of the temple and voiced strong opposition to what they termed a breach of temple protocol. The protesters argued that inviting leaders from other religions for programmes linked to a temple festival was inappropriate and undermined the religious character of the event.
After staging the protest, the demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the temple’s executive officer, demanding that names of non-Hindu personalities should not be included in invitation cards or brochures related to temple festivals in the future.
Names listed in invitation card
The invitation card for the cultural programmes included the names of several prominent non-Hindu dignitaries. Apart from Speaker U T Khader and MLC Ivan D’Souza, those named were Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy chairman Umar U H, Karnataka Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gafoor, Minimum Wages Advisory Board chairman T M Shahid Tekkil, Konkani Sahitya Academy chairman Joachim Stany Alvares, and Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board chairperson Shalet Pinto.
Temple authorities clarified that the listed dignitaries were invited as part of official protocol and not in any religious capacity. It was also confirmed that none of the non-Hindu leaders attended the cultural programme.
Temple executive officer explains protocol
Temple executive officer Aravinda Ayyappa Suthagundi held discussions with the protesting samiti members and sought to clarify the procedure followed by Muzrai temples while printing invitation cards.
“The samiti members discussed the issue with me and submitted a memorandum. I explained the protocol that the temple follows. They requested that names of people from other religions should not be carried in brochures. I informed them that their memorandum would be forwarded to the government,” he said.
He added that the invitation was limited to cultural programmes and did not involve participation in religious rituals.
Kiru Shashti festival underway
The Kiru Shashti festival began at the Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple on Monday and will continue till December 26. The annual festival draws thousands of devotees from various parts of the state and neighbouring regions.
Temple officials said that all rituals and religious ceremonies are being conducted as per tradition, and that the controversy has not affected the festival arrangements or the flow of devotees.
Conclusion
The protest over the inclusion of non-Hindu leaders in the invitation card underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious customs and administrative practices at prominent temples. While the demonstration concluded peacefully after discussions with temple authorities, the issue is expected to be taken up by the government following submission of the memorandum. The Kiru Shashti festival continues amid assurances that temple traditions will be upheld.