A temple chariot passed through a Dalit settlement in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district after 42 years, during a trial run conducted under the district administration’s directions. The event took place in Puthagaram village near Walajabad, where residents had long demanded that the chariot of the Arulmigu Sri Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple pass through their locality.
The procession faced opposition from some people, but police and district officials ensured it proceeded peacefully, according to the report.
The chariot’s route through the settlement followed a Madras High Court order directing that it pass through the Dalit locality. Despite the order, the procession had remained stalled for a long time amid a dispute over the route.
Madras High Court Had Ordered Chariot to Pass Through Dalit Settlement
Residents from the Dalit community in Puthagaram had repeatedly sought permission for the temple chariot to pass through their settlement. The demand was opposed by some people, leading to a dispute over the procession’s route.
The matter reached the Madras High Court through a petition filed by Pasarai Selvaraj. The court ordered that the temple chariot be taken through the Dalit settlement. However, the procession did not take place along the disputed route for an extended period, even after the order.
More Than 200 Police Personnel Deployed
The district administration directed that a trial run be conducted on Sunday. Tamil Nadu ministers Thenarasu and Ranjith Kumar reportedly initiated the trial by pulling the chariot’s ropes.
A large security deployment was put in place under the leadership of district Superintendent of Police Aravindan. More than 200 police personnel were deployed across the village, including four deputy superintendents of police, two additional superintendents of police and 10 inspectors.
Under police protection, the chariot passed through different parts of the village before reaching the temple.
Dalit Residents Celebrate After 42 Years
The chariot’s entry into the settlement after 42 years prompted residents to gather and celebrate. They offered prayers and performed deeparadhana, a ritual involving the offering of lamps.
Residents also pulled the chariot’s ropes amid the sounds of traditional percussion instruments, including chenda melam and drums.
