Pune’s Nashik Dhol team at Athachamayam rally in Kerala’s Thripunithura triggers row over alleged saffronisation
A political controversy has emerged in Thripunithura over the inclusion of a Pune-based Nashik Dhol team in the Athachamayam procession. Political parties allege that the event was used to promote a saffron agenda, while organizers deny the claims.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the sensitivity of cultural events in India and the potential for them to become flashpoints for political and communal tensions.
A political controversy has erupted over the Athachamayam procession held in Thripunithura on August 16, heralding the Onam celebrations in the State, with both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Congress alleging attempt to saffronise the cultural event with a long legacy.
The two parties have slammed the organisers for allowing the performance of a Pune-based Nashik Dhol team during which a saffron flag was reportedly hoisted. The Left Democratic Front councillors of the Thripunithura municipality and the Congress’ Thripunithura block committee recently staged separate protests against the alleged politicisation of the event.
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