MADURAI, Dec 22: Tensions flared at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, as local residents staged a protest against the flag hoisting ceremony for the Santhanakoodu festival at the Hazrat Sikandar Dargah.
Protesters demanded that the ceremonial Karthigai Deepam be lit atop the hill near the dargah during the Tamil month of Karthigai, in accordance with a Madras High Court order. The Thirumangalam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) has granted permission for the Santhanakoodu festival flag hoisting, scheduled to continue until January 6, 2026.
Preparations for the festival, including the traditional Santhanakoodu chariot procession, were underway. Bulls were brought in to pull the chariot, reflecting the region’s shared cultural practices.
The unrest comes in the backdrop of a tragic incident last week, when 40 year old Poornachandran allegedly committed self-immolation near a police booth in Madurai, protesting the non-lighting of the Karthigai Deepam despite the High Court directive. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Poornachandran had circulated a voice message before taking the extreme step, citing the ceremonial lamp’s omission.
Poornachandran, a medical representative and mini auto driver, is survived by his wife and two young sons, aged 4 and 8. His family described him as deeply spiritual, frequently visiting the Sathuragiri hills. A case has been registered under Section 194 of the BNSS at the Tallakulam police station, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances.
Earlier, while the Madras High Court had directed the lighting of the lamp, the state government challenged the order citing law and order concerns, adding to the controversy surrounding the festival celebrations.