Ernakulam: Actor Dileep has been excluded from the coupon distribution inauguration of the upcoming festival at the Ernakulam Shiva Temple following protests against his participation, the temple administration committee said.

The festival at the Ernakulam Shiva Temple is set to begin on January 23. The coupon inauguration ceremony was scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, and Dileep was originally slated to receive the first coupon. Notices and posters announcing this had already been printed.

However, strong objections arose within the temple committee regarding Dileep’s presence at the event, with additional concerns voiced by the Cochin Devaswom Board. In response to the protests, the committee decided to remove Dileep from the inauguration ceremony.

The event will proceed as planned on Tuesday, with the chief priest now designated to receive the first coupon.