In a shocking incident, the Kadakkal Police have registered a case against the artists and the advisory committee of the Manjippuzha Sree Bhagavathy Bhadrakali Temple in Kottukkal for performing a ‘Gana Geet’ during a musical programme on April 6 held as part of the temple festival.
Members of the Night Birds Orchestra, along with the temple advisory and festival committees, have been booked under Sections 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1998. Notably, the Gana Geet sung at the Kottukkal temple was “Namaskarippu Bharatamangaye,” a powerful geet sung in RSS shakhas across Kerala. The song pays homage to Bharat Mata, blending devotion with patriotism. Through vivid imagery of sacrifice, struggle, and national awakening, it inspires patriots to live a life of duty and dedication.
Fueling the matter, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that members of the RSS had sung an RSS prayer during the temple festivities. He described the act as “a matter of grave concern” and urged the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to take immediate and strict action against those responsible.
The temple falls under the Travancore Devaswom Board, which is managed by the state government.
However, members of the music group stated that the ‘geet’ was sung at the request of the event’s sponsors only.
The Gana geet is in Malayalam which says, Chorus: “Salutations to you, Mother India, with remembrance and reverence. Salutations to you, Keshava, the architect of India’s destiny”, Verse: “Your heart, scorched and wounded, overflows with anguish. Tears shed day and night from the depths of your sorrow. Offering our entire lives at your sacred feet, We pledge anew to hoist the victorious flag of Bharat”.
What are Gana Geets?
Gana Geet is collective singing for unity of motherland. These are patriotic and devotional songs sung in various cultural events as well as in RSS shakhas across Bharat. Rooted in Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, these songs are more than just music; they are expressions of devotion to Bharat Mata and calls to live a life of discipline, sacrifice, and national service. Gana Geets are meant to inspire unity, courage, and a deep sense of belonging among those who sing them.
Sung in multiple Bharatiya languages, Gana Geets reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country while reinforcing a common national spirit. Gana Geets remain a key part of the RSS tradition and are sung during daily shakha gatherings as well as during special events like Path Sanchalans.
Notably, a few weeks back, a controversy erupted at a temple in the Kollam district of Kerala after Marxist songs were performed during at a temple on March 10, 2024 — a blatant violation of the sanctity expected during religious festivals. No FIRs, no outrage, no Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) memos were issued on that incident. The song glorifies a comrade and slogans like “DYFI Zindabad” can be heard in the video.
Critics point out, what congress and communist can’t win through debate or ballots, they attempt to crush using the police and courts — conveniently forgetting their own party’s line and using temples for political events.
The Kadakkal police have now registered a case regarding the singing of the Gana geet. Those involved in the performance have been named as the first accused, the temple advisory committee as the second accused, and the festival celebration committee as the third.
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