न्यूज़व्यूज़पोस्टUncertainty surrounding ticket sales and preparations
Devotees of the Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple, commonly called Kandakottam in Rattan Bazaar, Park Town, have expressed anxiety about the upcoming Kandasashti festival. Normally, tickets for the Laksharcharnai are released shortly after Vijayadasami, with around 35,000 tickets sold each year at ₹300 each for the archanai beginning on November 10. As of now, no tickets have been issued and there is no clear timetable for the festival’s commencement.
Administrative disputes impede festival planning
The 500‑year‑old shrine is managed by a five‑member trustee board drawn from the Berri Chetti community. Recent conflicts have emerged between the trustees and the executive officer of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The executive officer reportedly removed cheque‑signing authority from the trustees, limiting their ability to pay salaries and procure essential items such as pandals, coconuts, bags, and flowers. The trustees claim the officer acted without notification, leaving them without control over daily operations.
Additionally, the board of trustees has not passed a resolution to call for tenders, further delaying procurement. The executive officer is also unable to access the temple’s main bank account because the trustees have refused to sign cheques. Sources within the HR&CE Department said they will investigate the matter, noting that the department is authorized to intervene only if temple conduct is compromised.
Impact on the 99th consecutive Kandasashti celebration
Saravanan, a regular attendee, highlighted that this year marks the 99th uninterrupted Kandasashti festival, traditionally featuring grand concerts and distribution of prasadam, including a bucket of offerings to participants. With only a few days remaining before the scheduled start, trustees reported they are working intensively to regain administrative powers and ensure the festival proceeds.
The situation reflects a broader tension between community trustees seeking autonomy and government officials tasked with overseeing temple management. The outcome will determine whether the long‑standing festival can be conducted as planned.
Source: India Latest News: Top National Headlines Today & Breaking News | The Hindu
