Kozhikode, Kerala – The streets of Kerala came alive on 14 September as Janmashtami Shobhayatras organised by Balagokulam reverberated with colour, devotion and festivity. Lakhs of participants, including nearly 100,000 children dressed as Shri Krishna, Radhika and other epic heroes, paraded through towns and villages, accompanied by youths and mothers. The celebrations transformed the state into vibrant scenes reminiscent of Mathura and Brindavan.
However, the joyous festivities were marred by shocking incidents of violence in Kozhikode and other parts of Malabar, where CPM goons allegedly attacked the processions. In Kozhikode, little girls clad as Radhika and performing in the Shobhayatra were assaulted, with one hospitalised in serious condition. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers shouted at the children for dancing to songs praising Shri Rama, wrecked the tableau vehicle, and injured several women, who were also admitted to hospital.
According to reports, the violence was led by individuals booked under KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities [Prevention] Act, 2007). Similar attacks were reported from several places in Kannur district, with violent disruptions witnessed across the Malabar region. BJP leaders condemned the incidents, calling them “inhuman and uncivilised” acts against peaceful Shobhayatras.
The scale of celebrations was unprecedented. Reports suggest around 10,000 Shobhayatras took place across Kerala on the day, with nearly 250,000 people, children, youths and women actively participating. Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master, former state police chiefs and retired High Court judges flagged off various processions, underscoring the cultural importance of the event.
#ബാലഗോകുലം പഴശ്ശി,കരേറ്റ മണ്ഡലങ്ങളുടെ മഹാശോഭായാത്ര വീരപഴശ്ശിയുടെ മണ്ണിൽ ഗോകുല ബാലികയ്ക്ക് പതാക കൈമാറി ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്തു.#Balagokulam's Janmashtami Sobhayatra in Pazhassi,Karetta mandals (Kannur) was inaugurated in the land of Veerapazhashi by handing over the flag to Gokula Balika pic.twitter.com/ACYz3wr9Nz
— C.Sadanandan Master (@SadanandanMash) September 14, 2025
Balagokulam, the organisation behind the Shobhayatras, began in the early 1970s as a children’s column in Kesari Malayalam weekly at Narippatta. It took organisational shape in 1975, conducting its first Shobhayatra in Kozhikode the same year. After the lifting of the Emergency in 1977, Shobhayatras expanded statewide and have continued ever since.
CPM Goons trying to attack a Balagokulam Sobhayathra at Kannur, Chittaripparambu, which is a Communist Party Village. RSS Swayamasevaks gave protection to the children and the procession progressed.
Same CPM is conducting Global Ayyappa Sangamam, pic.twitter.com/XkHO7LJyfw
— നചികേതസ് (@nach1keta) September 15, 2025
Beyond processions, Balagokulam conducts weekly classes to familiarise children with puranas, epics, cultural values and nationalism. From its Kerala origins, it has grown into the world’s largest children’s organisation, with activities across India and abroad. Today, it is recognised as a founding member of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), providing it a link with the United Nations Organisation.
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