India

Devotees Express Concerns Over Kandasashti Festival Preparations at Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple

By The Hindu Bureau

Devotees of the Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple, known as Kandhakottam, in Rattan Bazaar, Park Town, have voiced worries about this year’s Kandasashti festival. A. B. Srinivasan, a 65‑year‑old devotee, said that tickets for the Laksharcharnai, normally sold after Vijayadasami, have not yet been released. About 35,000 tickets, priced at ₹300 each, are usually sold for the archanai that begins on November 10. He added that there has been no indication of the festival’s conduct.

Saravanan, another devotee, noted that this year marks the 99th consecutive Kandasashti festival, which traditionally includes grand concerts. He said participants would receive prasadam, including a bucket, but that tenders for items such as pandals, coconuts, bags and flowers have not yet been called. He mentioned that the executive officer has gone on leave and another person has taken charge.

The shrine, over 500 years old, is a scheme temple belonging to the Berri Chettis. A five‑member trustee team was selected by the community last year and has overseen daily administration. Sendilvellan, a trustee, said the executive officer removed cheque‑signatory powers from the trustees, preventing them from paying salaries. He claimed the officer took signatory powers at the bank without informing the trustees and that the trustees have no authority in day‑to‑day operations. He noted that a court had directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to intervene only if there were problems with the temple’s conduct, and that the trustees have managed the temple without issues since last year.

Another trustee said that with only a few days left for the festival they have been working hard to regain powers and ensure the event proceeds. Sources from the HR&CE Department said they would investigate the matter. Published – November 01, 2026 12:57 am IST