Clash Erupts at Kannur Temple Festival Over Ganageetham Performance

KANNUR: A confrontation erupted between workers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kannur following the performance of a ‘Ganageetham’ during a music concert at a local temple festival. The incident took place at the Kannadipparamba Sree Muthappan Temple festival, where the singing of a Ganageetham – songs traditionally associated with Sangh Parivar gatherings – sparked the dispute.

The music troupe, performing as part of the festivities, began singing the Ganageetham at the request of some audience members. However, the performance was abruptly interrupted when two CPM activists ascended the stage and demanded that the song be stopped. This act quickly escalated into a major protest, fueled by the significant representation of RSS and BJP workers on the temple’s organizing committee. Allegations have surfaced that BJP-RSS workers subsequently attempted to physically assault the CPM activists who had intervened to stop the song.

The area remains under a cloud of tension following the clash. In response to the incident, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPM, has announced its intention to organize a protest gathering on Tuesday evening. Both the CPM and BJP factions involved have indicated their decision to file formal complaints regarding the confrontation.

Local residents intervened to de-escalate the immediate situation and restore calm. Such performances of Ganageethams at temple festivals in Kannur have historically been a source of significant political controversy and protests. The music troupe involved clarified that their decision to perform the song was solely based on a request from the audience.