Latest news with #Vallasadya
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Deadlock over Aranmula Vallasadya deepens as PSS threatens protests
The ongoing standoff over the conduct of Vallasadya, a ritualistic feast offered at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, is set to intensify with the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) threatening to launch protests against the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) if the event is held inside the temple premises on Sunday. According to K.V. Sambadevan, president of the PSS, both the organisation and devotees will stage peaceful protests if the Board proceeds with plans to organise the Vallasadya inside the temple compound, especially by collecting money from devotees and without the participation of palliyodams. The Sangham has already submitted a letter to the TDB, terming the move a serious violation of the temple's traditions and rituals. 'Despite registering our strong objection, we have yet to receive any response from the Board beyond a public statement. If the Board insists on conducting the Vallasadya without the presence of palliyodams, we will go ahead with our protest. If this is an attempt to challenge established customs, our response will be even stronger,' said Mr. Sambadevan. Earlier the other day the PSS had staged a sit-in protest in front of the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner's office. Meanwhile, the TDB has reiterated that it will go ahead with the advance booking system for the Vallasadya and remains open to further discussions with all stakeholders. The advance coupon system, they say, was introduced to ensure that devotees do not return disappointed due to limited seating. 'People across Kerala have long expressed a desire to partake in the Vallasadya within the temple premises. To fulfil this, the Board decided to organise a feast — featuring all traditional dishes — at the temple, with prior booking through coupons priced at ₹250,' explained TDB president P.S. Prasanth. He clarified that the entire amount collected from devotees is handed over to the PSS and the Board does not retain even a single rupee from the initiative. Mr. Prasanth also noted that both the Aranmula Temple Advisory Committee and the PSS were informed of the proposal at its inception. 'To now claim ignorance is unfortunate, especially since both parties were part of the initial discussions and a consensus had been reached,' he added.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Time of India
Aranmula Vallasadya begins in a grand manner
1 2 3 Kochi: A grand feast offering 64 traditionally relevant dishes and an elegant snake boat race on a raging river stood out once again as the historic Aranmula Vallasadya began on Sunday. Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of the Parthasarathy Temple. "Aranmula Vallasadya is a symbol of art, culture and hospitality of Keralites," said Ganesh. Health minister Veena George, MP Anto Antony and MLA Pramod Narayan served dishes to mark the beginning of Vallasadya. George said Vallasadya was a celebration of faith, culture and art. On the first day, seven palliyodams participated in the Vallasadya, with Kozhencherry finishing first. The Vallasadya for the 52 palliyodams of the temple's various karas (localities) will conclude on Oct 2. Ganesh also inaugurated the Vallasadya held at the Panchajanyam Auditorium as part of the KSRTC budget tourism cell's Panchapandava temple tour. The minister said the tour was receiving significant support from pilgrims from various parts of Kerala, cutting across religions, Ganesh said. Strong security measures were in place around the temple as part of Vallasadya. The fire and safety services' scuba team was also deployed along Pampa River as part of the boat race.
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.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- The Hindu
Aranmula gears up for 72-day Onam festivities with Vallasadya
Heralding the start of the 72-day-long Onam celebrations in Aranmula, the ritual feast called Vallasadya will commence on Sunday (July 13) at the centuries-old Sree Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of the Pampa. A cherished tradition, Vallasadya is an offering made by devotees to the temple's presiding deity. The feast is organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS), in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the temple affairs. The feast is primarily intended for the oarsmen of the Palliyodams (snake boats) that arrive from various villages along the Pampa. They are given a ceremonial welcome at the temple ghats before being escorted inside. Rhythm of Vanchipattu In keeping with custom, the oarsmen will offer paddy, tobacco, and betel leaves to the deity and circumambulate the temple while singing Vanchippattu (traditional boat songs), adding a rhythmic fervour to the celebrations. According to organisers 415 feasts have already been booked this season, with more expected in the coming days. Preparations began on Friday, marked by the lighting of the main hearth using a sacred flame brought from the temple. 52 snake boats On the opening day, the feast will be served to the crews of seven snake boats. Altogether, 52 Palliyodams from villages along both sides of the Pampa, from Idakkulam to Chennithala in Alappuzha, will take part in the festivities. A major cultural spectacle and tourist attraction, the Vallasadya and the associated regatta have drawn large crowds over the years. The Aranmula regatta is scheduled for September 9, followed by the Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya on September 14. The celebrations will conclude on October 2. A special committee constituted by the PSS will oversee the smooth conduct of the festivities. Temple tourism circuit Meanwhile, the KSRTC Tourism Cell will be conducting special trips to Aranmula during the season as part of its Pancha Pandava Temple Circuit. The tour covers visits to the Chengannur Thrichittatt, Thrikodithanam, Thiruvanvandoor, Thrippuliyoor, and Thiruvaranmula temples, culminating at Aranmula. According to Santosh Kumar, district coordinator of the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell, up to eight trips will be operated daily from different depots. The tours will be conducted five days a week throughout July and the corporation's target is to conduct 400 trips during the season.
