Travancore Devaswom Board bans shinkari melam, political songs and DJ parties on temple premises

Alappuzha: The Travancore Devaswom Board has issued an order banning shinkari melam, songs of political parties and DJ parties within the temple premises.

The order follows a complaint regarding an RSS prayer song played at one venue and a revolutionary song performed at another, in Kollam’s Kadakkal.

The Kerala High Court intervened in the matter and directed the Director of the Devaswom Board’s Cultural and Archaeological Department to prepare a detailed report. It was on this basis that the Board Secretary issued a new order.

As per the guidelines, the president and secretary of the temple advisory committee must provide a written assurance saying they will not organise any artistic performances that are against Hindu beliefs or temple traditions. This declaration must be submitted on Rs 200 stamp paper to the Deputy Devaswom Commissioner.

Musical performances that are unpleasant to the ear, such as Shinkari melam and DJ parties, are also banned inside the temple premises.

Only Hindu devotional songs should be sung at festivals. Songs associated with political parties or movements are also banned under the new order.