Malappuram, 14 Jan (HS):

Preparations for the Mahamagha Mahotsavam—popularly referred to as the “Kerala Kumbh Mela”—scheduled to be held at Tirunavaya from January 18 to February 3, have been halted by the Revenue Department, triggering protests from the organisers.

According to the organising committee, officials from the Revenue Department and the police reached the venue and ordered an immediate stoppage of all festival-related works, even as arrangements had entered the final stage. The organisers alleged that the action was taken without prior notice or a clear explanation, causing serious disruption to the large-scale religious event.

They maintained that applications seeking permission for conducting the Mahamagha Mahotsavam had been submitted well in advance and that preparations were initiated only after following due procedure. The organisers also pointed out that the festival had eminent patrons, including the district collector, Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and presidents of Devaswom Boards, making the sudden intervention unexpected.

However, the stop memo issued by the village officer cited serious violations of environmental and river protection laws. Officials stated that unauthorised construction activities were being carried out by encroaching upon the Bharathapuzha, including the construction of a temporary bridge without permission and the use of heavy machinery such as JCBs inside the riverbed to level the area for construction.

The memo stated that these actions amounted to violations of the Kerala River Bank Protection Act, 2021, which categorises such activities as punishable offences attracting penalties. All construction and allied works have been ordered to remain suspended until further instructions are issued by competent authorities.

The Mahamagha Mahotsavam is jointly organised by the Juna Akhada and the Mata Amritanandamayi Math. The overall responsibility of the event has been entrusted to Mahamandaleshwar Anandavan Bharati of the Juna Akhada.

The organisers said the festival was planned to revive the ancient Magha Makha Mahotsavam that was traditionally held at Tirunavaya in earlier times. Located roughly at the geographical heart of ancient Kerala, between Gokarna and Kanyakumari, Tirunavaya has long been associated with sacred rituals connected to the Bharathapuzha.

While officials insist that environmental laws cannot be compromised under any circumstances, the organisers have urged the government to intervene urgently to resolve the issue and allow the historic religious congregation to proceed as scheduled.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman