VCK members staging a protest near Kittappa Angadi in Mayiladuthurai on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a constituent of the TVK-led government, staged a protest in Mayiladuthurai on Sunday opposing the Pattina Pravesam (entering the town) ritual scheduled to be held at the Dharumapuram Adheenam.The protest was held near the Head Post Office under the leadership of VCK district secretary Mohankumar. Over 30 functionaries of the VCK and its allied organisations participated in the demonstration and raised slogans against the ritual.Pattina Pravesam forms part of the annual Vaikasi festival and Guru Puja celebrations conducted at the 16th-century Dharumapuram Adheenam. The 10-day festival commenced on May 28 with flag hoisting and included various events such as the celestial wedding and temple car festival.As part of the concluding event scheduled for Sunday night, the 27th Guru Maha Sannidhanam of the Dharumapuram Adheenam, Sri-la-Sri Masilamani Desika Gnanasambanda Paramacharya Swamigal was to be taken in a silver palanquin around the four streets surrounding the devotees of the Adheenam.Opposing the practice, the VCK said carrying a person in a palanquin was against the principles of social equality and demanded that such rituals be discontinued. Published - June 07, 2026 08:15 pm IST
