Subhechcha Ganguly 
Following a Kerala Police directive to remove the saffron decorations set up for the Bhadrakali temple festival and replace them with multi-colored ones, a controversy has arisen around the celebrations at a temple in Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. According to temple officials, the CPI(M), which is in power, is trying to eradicate Hindu rituals and practises. Beginning on February 14th, the Bhadrakali festival will last 70 days.
The saffron flag at the shrine is allegedly being prohibited on purpose, according to the BJP and RSS. The contentious police announcement is connected to the Vellayani Devi Temple’s Kaliyoot celebration. Over 850 years have passed since the beginning of the celebration. Anil Jose J, the Deputy Collector and Additional District Magistrate (ADM), gave volunteers the instruction not to use saffron and that decorations should be “politically neutral.” Devotees were sent stern warnings by the police not to arrive wearing saffron.All of the Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam attendees dressed in saffron hues as a show of protest. Wearing saffron-colored sarees, churidars, and blouses, women led the fight. Men wearing saffron dhotis arrived to join the march. Hindu teenagers and kids alike participated in donning saffron-colored attire. Hindu Aikyavedi, a right-wing organisation, has asked the court to become involved in the situation.
