Sangh Parivar Outfits Plan ‘Sabarimala Protection Sangamam’ To Counter Kerala Government's Global Ayyappa Sangamam

Kerala’s ruling CPI(M) government is set to host a global Ayyappa sangamam of Sabarimala devotees in Pampa on 20 September, but the move has sparked resistance from Sangh Parivar organisations, the Indian Express reported.

In response, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi (SKS) has announced a ‘Sabarimala protection sangamam’ on 22 September at Pandalam, the seat of the erstwhile royal family that has traditionally influenced the temple’s customs.

The SKS, formed in 2018, became the face of protests against the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages entry into the shrine.

Its upcoming meet aims to rally devotees and highlight concerns over what it calls political interference in temple affairs.

“The CPI(M) government’s global Ayyappa sangamam is a political encroachment into the temple’s affairs. The government’s sangamam is a challenge to the Hindu faithful," SKS convener SJR Kumar was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

He added that the SKS had taken the decision on 3 September but had not yet finalised the participants or the day’s proceedings.

According to him, the sangamam would bring together devotees from across India.

He accused the government of organising a gathering meant only for the wealthy, saying it would divide devotees based on their financial standing.

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He stressed that the SKS event was intended for “true devotees” and would focus on the development of the hill shrine. He also noted that the group was closely watching how the government’s event would unfold.

BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan has already sought the support of the Pandalam royal family for the protection sangamam.

However, the family has maintained caution.

The state government’s event, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Travancore Devaswom Board, has found backing from prominent Hindu organisations like NSS and SNDP Yogam, somewhat isolating BJP’s initial opposition.

Meanwhile, Hindu outfits aligned with the Sangh have demanded that the state withdraw cases filed against devotees during the 2018 protests, accusing the CPI(M) of selectively supporting communities in other agitations.

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