Controversy Erupts: 'Operation Sindoor' Pookalam at Kerala Temple Sparks Outrage, 27 RSS Activists Booked

The vibrant celebrations of Onam in Kerala took an unexpected and controversial turn this year, as a traditional pookalam (flower carpet) at the revered Mannadi Devi Temple in Pathanamthitta district became the epicentre of a significant religious and political storm. The festive atmosphere was marred when a pookalam designed at the temple premises was found to conspicuously display the inscription "Operation Sindoor," leading to widespread outrage and immediate police intervention.

The incident, which occurred on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam, quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from various sections of society, including temple authorities, political leaders, and cultural organizations.

Critics condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to communalize Onam, a harvest festival traditionally celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of religion, and to promote a divisive agenda within a sacred space.

Following a formal complaint, the local police swiftly initiated action. An extensive investigation led to the identification and subsequent booking of 27 activists associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The charges against them include serious offences under the Indian Penal Code, particularly Section 153A, which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. Other sections related to trespassing and defiling places of worship may also be applicable.

The phrase "Operation Sindoor" itself is loaded with controversial connotations, often associated with campaigns by right-wing organizations aimed at reinforcing Hindu identity, particularly among women, and sometimes perceived as a counter to interfaith marriages or religious conversions.

Its inscription on an Onam pookalam, a symbol of Kerala's inclusive cultural heritage, was widely seen as a provocative act designed to hurt religious sentiments and create communal discord.

Leaders from various political parties, including the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, vehemently denounced the incident.

They emphasized the need to protect the secular fabric of Kerala and condemned any attempts to inject communal politics into traditional festivals. Temple management committees also expressed their dismay, stating that such actions were contrary to the spirit of devotion and unity that the temple embodies.

As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed for calm and urged citizens to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions.

The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates around religious identity and communal harmony in India, even amidst the joyful celebrations of traditional festivals. The booked activists are now facing legal proceedings, with the incident prompting renewed calls for vigilance against divisive forces.