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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Row erupts over paid 'Vallasadya' at Aranmula temple; PSS accuses TDB of breaching ritual norms
PATHANAMTHITTA: Amid the controversy at Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple over the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) launch of a paid version of the traditional Vallasadya-a ceremonial temple feast -the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS), which denounced the move as a breach of long-standing temple customs, remains steadfast in its opposition. The TDB's Vallasadya, priced at Rs 250 per head, is being offered to devotees who book in advance. Coupons for the feast can also be availed online. As of now, the feast is scheduled exclusively on Sundays. However, the PSS, which traditionally oversees the conduct of the Vallasadya, has strongly objected to the Board's move. "Palliyoda Seva Sangham has no involvement whatsoever in the Vallasadyas proposed by the Devaswom Board. This is a serious breach of ritualistic norms," K V Sambadevan, president of the PSS, told TNIE. He cited a Kerala High Court order which mandates that any decision related to the Vallasadya must be taken jointly by a committee comprising representatives of both the PSS and the TDB. "Selling food coupons in the name of Vallasadya without the participation of Palliyodams is tantamount to commercialising the ritual," he added. In protest, PSS activists had recently marched to the office of the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner singing Vanchipattu, the traditional boat song, demanding that the ritual be conducted only in the presence of snake boats. "If the Board is determined to override ritual norms and hold Vallasadya for money, the Sangham will intensify its agitation," Sambadevan warned. Considering the devotees reaching from faraway places, he also said the normal feast can be booked through the PSS website, clarifying that they are 'paid feasts' and not Vallasadhya.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- The Hindu
Vallasadya season begins at Aranmula
The rhythmic chants and sweep of palliyodams (snake boats) have once again returned to the banks of the Pampa River as the season of Vallasadya, a unique ritualistic feast associated with the Onam festivities at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple, commenced on Sunday. Hundreds of devotees gathered at the temple premises here to take part in the event. By morning, oarsmen on board seven palliyodams (snake boats) arrived at the temple ghats to a rousing reception. The oarsmen, clad in traditional attire, were welcomed with betel leaves, areca nuts and tobacco, before being ceremoniously led into the temple grounds. In a scene charged with devotional fervour, the boat crews circumambulated the sanctum, chanting the vibrant verses of the Vanchippattu (boat songs) in praise of Lord Krishna, the temple's presiding deity. Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar formally inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Health Minister Veena George, MP Anto Antony, and other dignitaries were also present . This year, 52 palliyodams from villages lining both sides of the Pampa, from Idakkulam to Chennithala in Alappuzha —will participate in the celebrations. A major cultural spectacle, the Vallasadya and the accompanying regatta have long been a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike. The famed Aranmula boat race is scheduled for September 9, followed by the grand Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya on September 14. The season will culminate on October 2. To ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations, a special committee formed by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) is overseeing the arrangements. Security has been intensified in and around the temple precincts and a fire and safety scuba diving team has been deployed at the river ghats.
