Hyderabad: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Telangana, has called for the immediate lifting of the ban on the Loddhi Mallayya festival, citing deep concerns over the decision’s impact on the Hindu community’s religious rights and sentiments. The festival, which attracts thousands of devotees annually, is traditionally held for three days starting from the first Ekadashi day. This year, the festival is scheduled to begin on July 17, 2024. The famous Loddi Mallaiah Temple is located in Nallamalla Forest, near Mannanur checkpost Srisailam Road, Mahabubnagar district.
In an unexpected move, the Telangana Forest Department and the Achampet Forest Range Officer have released a statement announcing the suspension of the festival, warning that devotees visiting the temple could face penalties under forest laws, and their vehicles could be seized. This announcement has sparked strong condemnation from devotees, VHP and Hindu organisations.
“The decision to ban the festival by the Congress government not only undermines Hindu beliefs but also violates the basic rights of the community,” VHP Telangana, Joint Secretary, Dr Shashidhar stated. He argues that if tourists are allowed to visit the area throughout the year under tourism packages, there should be no issue with devotees visiting for three days. The VHP Telangana also highlighted that the annual festival has never impacted tiger reproduction, as indicated by the growing tiger population.
Dr Shashidhar has called on the Chief Minister of Telangana and senior forest officials to intervene immediately to ensure the festival proceeds as usual.
VHP Telangana, in its press release, demands that the Achampet Forest Range Officer be held accountable for what they describe as an anti-Hindu agenda. The organization also urged authorities to investigate and address the officer’s alleged deliberate obstructions to devotees visiting prominent pilgrimage sites within the Achampet forest area. They have also warned that if the Telangana government enforces the ban, they will join devotees in direct protests.
“We caution the authorities against playing with the faith of the people,” the VHP leader Dr Shashidhar added, emphasising the urgency of resolving the issue to uphold the community’s religious freedoms and traditions.
