Dalit Discrimination in Azhikkal Temple; Casteist Comrades Exposed

​Kannur: In what can be termed as a bundle of paradoxes, the Azhikkal Pampadi Aalinkeezhil temple governed by local Marxist leaders has barred Dalits from participating in the famed Valezhunnallathu ritual of the temple. The ritual, one of the most integral part of temple festivities includes carrying forth the Goddess’ sacred sword to the homes of devotees, where by they stand blessed by the deity. The ritual takes place once a year in which residences of Dalits were conveniently left out. The Marxist leaders are said to have forced the oracle to utter aloud that the homes belong to Dalits and will stand omitted. 

Various Dalit organizations have come forward in protest against the atrocious deed. The Scheduled Caste and Tribes Commission has filed a case against the incident, terming it as breach of law. “The ostracizing of Dalits is an archaic custom. Adhering to it in present times is atrocious. It leads to nothing but deliberate polarization of society,” said Kerala Pattika Jana Samajam.

Letting Dalits enter the temple, but keeping them away from various rites and rituals is with the sole aim of garnering money, they allege. “Most of the poojas are conducted as offerings from Dalit devotees. But keeping them away from rites and rituals is a reminder of the feudalistic era of bygone days. These were brought to a complete halt in 1955,” said the Hindu Aikya Vedi.