The manager of Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple has lodged a complaint with the Thrissur Town East police alleging that a programme was organised without the knowledge or permission of the Devaswom on the Thekkinkadu Maidan on Saturday.

According to the complaint, around 50 people gathered near the Thekke Gopura Nada of the Vadakkunnathan temple at about 9 a.m. and conducted a programme without obtaining permission from the Devaswom. The temple manager alleged that the group ignored instructions from a temple employee and also verbally confronted him when he objected to the event.

The people, under the aegis of Rashtraraksha Samithi, gathered at Thekke Gopura Nada on Saturday morning in protest against the Kerala government’s decision not to include the full rendition of Vande Mataram in the official Independence Day programme. The protesters sang Vande Mataram in full and hoisted the national flag.

The incident assumes significance in light of restrictions imposed by the Kerala High Court on organising programmes of political parties, or events that could benefit or promote the interests of political parties, at Thekkinkadu Maidan.

The programme was reportedly held at a time when the district’s official Independence Day celebrations, attended by Youth Welfare and Archaeology Minister O.J. Jeneesh, were taking place nearby at the Nehru Mandapam.

The Cochin Devaswom Board has expressed concern over programmes being organised on temple premises without prior permission. Board president K. Ravindran urged the authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible.

Published - August 15, 2026 08:30 pm IST