A significant controversy has erupted in Dakshina Kannada district as the festivals of Ganesh Utsav and Krishna Janmashtami approach. The deputy director of School Education has issued a circular prohibiting the use of school grounds for non-academic activities, sparking widespread outrage and raising concerns about celebrating these festivals in coastal districts’ school grounds.
The circular, issued on 16 July, directed at Government, aided, and unaided schools, mandates that school premises should not be used for non-academic activities. Additionally, schools have been instructed to refrain from submitting proposals to the Education Department seeking permission for such events. This directive, coming just ahead of the Ganesh Utsav and Krishna Janmashtami festivals, has led to strong objections from Hindu organisations and community members.
The circular explicitly states, “No programs other than academic activities should be allowed. If this order is violated, the concerned school principals will be held responsible.” Following this directive, many school management boards have already refused permission for the traditional Ganesh Utsav and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, which local village organisations typically organise.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and pro-Hindu organisations have strongly opposed the circular. They argue that Ganesh Utsav has been celebrated on the grounds of government and aided schools in the district for many years without issue. The new order from the education department is seen as an unnecessary hindrance to these long-standing traditions.
Belthangadi constituency BJP MLA Harish Poonja has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order, stating, “Ganesh Utsav has been a part of our cultural heritage and has been celebrated on school grounds for decades. This sudden prohibition is unacceptable and should be revoked immediately.”
The directive has already led to considerable backlash and is expected to cause political turmoil in the region. The community awaits further developments and the government’s response to the mounting pressure to rescind the order.
As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between administrative regulations and cultural traditions. While the decision to prohibit non-academic activities on school grounds aims to maintain academic integrity, it has inadvertently touched a nerve in a community deeply connected to its festive celebrations.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesh Utsav are widely celebrated in hundreds of villages in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, while Ganesh Utsav is celebrated all over the state.
Speaking to reporters, Dakshina Kannada district Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell strongly objected to the unusual circular, saying it is the land’s cultural heritage and is celebrated irrespective of caste and religion in many villages. By issuing such circulars, the government unnecessarily tries to curb the celebration of Hindus, which can’t be accepted. He said Sangh Parivar organisations would stage protests until the controversial circular is withdrawn.
