Hindu Munnani's Coimbatore district secretary Rajkumar accused the Tamil Nadu government and police of imposing severe restrictions on Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations in Mettupalayam. He warned of shop closures if the situation persists.
Coimbatore: Hindu Munnani's Coimbatore district secretary Rajkumar has accused the Tamil Nadu government and police of imposing severe restrictions on Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations and idol installations in Mettupalayam. Speaking to reporters, he warned of potential shop closures if the situation continues.
The Hindu Munnani has installed 300 Vinayagar idols across various areas in and around Mettupalayam district. These idols range from 4 feet to 12 feet in height and have been placed in both urban and rural areas.
Since morning, special pujas have been conducted for these idols, including Ganapati Homam and offerings of Kozhukattai, a favorite of Lord Ganesha. The Vinayagar Chaturthi festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm, with annadanam (free food distribution) organized at various locations for devotees.
After two days of worship, the installed Vinayagar idols will be taken in a procession and immersed in the Bhavani River at Mettupalayam.
Hindu Munnani conducted a special puja at the Siddhi Vinayagar Temple in front of the Mettupalayam bus stand. Following this, Rajkumar addressed the media, stating that the Tamil Nadu government and police are creating unprecedented difficulties for Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations this year.
Rajkumar emphasized that Vinayagar Chaturthi is not just a Hindu Munnani festival but has become a people's festival like Pongal and Diwali. He urged the Tamil Nadu government and police to change their stance in the coming years. The Hindu Munnani has warned that if permission continues to be denied for installing idols and conducting worship, they will resort to shop closure protests.