Raising Flames of Faith: The Karthigai Deepam Controversy

Residents of Thirupparankundram campaigned to light the Karthigai deepam at the sacred stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram hill. The protest followed a High Court ruling allowing a limited demonstration, invoking broader support amid tensions between devotees, temple management, and police over communal sensitivities.

A fast-till-noon protest was conducted by Thirupparankundram residents on Saturday to pressurize authorities into lighting the Karthigai deepam atop the ancient stone lamp pillar on the hill.

Adorned with yellow flags bearing Lord Muruga's rooster symbol, homes across the town expressed unity with the protestors fighting the participant limit imposed by the court.

Despite officials' concerns of communal unrest, local traders symbolically lit lamps, reflecting a wider call for religious recognition, as the legal dispute persists in the courts.

(With inputs from agencies.)