Onam Pookalam Controversy: 27 RSS Workers Booked Over Om, Swastik Design at Kerala Temple

A fresh wave of controversy has swept across Kerala during the vibrant Onam festivities, as police in Palakkad have booked 27 RSS workers. The reason? A Pookalam, a traditional floral carpet, prominently featuring the Om and Swastik symbols at the Mundur Ayyappa Temple, which ignited significant outrage and communal tension.

The incident, which unfolded at the Ayyappa Temple in Mundur, Palakkad district, saw police taking swift action.

A case was registered against 27 identifiable RSS workers under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This section addresses the serious offense of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and so forth.

Complaints poured in from various quarters, notably from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].

Critics vehemently argued that the symbols chosen for the Pookalam were not merely decorative but were intended to sow seeds of communal disharmony, particularly during a festival as inclusive as Onam. The Pookalam, crafted by local RSS workers on Thiruvonam day (August 29), quickly went viral on social media, drawing a storm of criticism.

The images of the controversial floral arrangement, with its bold display of the Om and Swastik, sparked a heated debate.

Many pointed out that a temple managed by the state-run Malabar Devaswom Board should uphold secular values and avoid displaying symbols that could be perceived as divisive or associated with specific political or religious organizations, especially given their historical context and potential for misinterpretation.

In response to the growing uproar, the Mundur Ayyappa Temple committee acknowledged that the Pookalam was indeed created by RSS workers.

However, they maintained that there was no malicious intent behind the symbols. The committee claimed the Om and Swastik are integral to Hindu religious tradition and were displayed without any aim to provoke controversy. Despite this clarification, police investigations are actively proceeding based on the formal complaints received.

Senior police officials have confirmed that the investigation is underway, and further actions will be determined by the findings.

It's worth noting that Section 153A of the IPC carries significant penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both, underscoring the gravity with which such offenses are viewed by law enforcement.

This Pookalam row is not an isolated incident in Kerala, a state often lauded for its communal harmony.

In recent times, it has witnessed several instances where religious symbols, festivals, or cultural practices have become flashpoints for contention, frequently exacerbated by political rivalries. This latest controversy serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain peace and communal harmony, particularly during traditional celebrations.

The decisive police action highlights the authorities' commitment to proactively address such sensitive issues and ensure that peace prevails across the state.