HC Permits All Alangad Groups to Participate in Erumeli Procession
Kerala High Court Permits All Alangad Groups to Participate in Erumeli Procession
The Kerala High Court has granted permission to all four Alangad groups to carry their ceremonial items, including the golaka, flag, sword, churika, and other traditional articles, during the Erumeli Petta Thullal procession held as part of the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala.
The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Amith Rawal and P.A. Balakrishnan, allows participation from the following groups:
- Sabarimala Ayyappa Swami Temple Alangad Yogam
- Alangad Yogam Sabarimala Swami Bhakta Jana Sangham
- Sree Sabarimala Dharma Sastha Alangad Yogam
- Alangad Yogam Trust
The court directed all groups to ensure that their participation remains peaceful and devoid of any vandalism, fighting, or acrimonious behavior toward one another.
Background of the Dispute
The judgment follows a petition filed by the Sabarimala Ayyappa Swami Temple Alangad Yogam, which sought permission to carry ceremonial items amid fears of exclusion from the ritual. The dispute arose from competing claims by various groups over their right to represent the original Alangad Yogam. Over the years, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has convened several conciliation meetings to resolve the matter.
Court's Directives
The bench also instructed the Pathanamthitta district police chief to provide adequate protection to all four groups to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of devotees during the procession. Additionally, the TDB has been directed to facilitate further conciliation efforts among the groups to reach an amicable resolution.
The judgment aims to preserve the sanctity of the ritual while safeguarding the rights of all participating groups and the well-being of the devotees.
