TDB Bows Out of Vallasadya as Protests Erupt; Paid Feast to Continue Under Palliyoda Seva Sangham

Speedy Summary

• The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has withdrawn its decision to organize the Vallasadya ritual thru its own booking system for the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple.
• TDB President P.S. Prasanth confirmed cancellation of bookings made under their system for an upcoming feast, citing a desire to prevent discord at the temple.
• The Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) will proceed with hosting paid feasts for participants in KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell’s package tours, with online bookings paused until mid-August due to limited seats.
• TDB’s earlier move to conduct Vallasadya without involving customary Palliyodams stirred protests from the PSS, including demonstrations inside the temple premises.
• Conciliatory talks between TDB and PSS failed after PSS boycotted discussions over entry restrictions on their representatives.
• Traditionally, Vallasadya involves a ceremonial feast offered to Lord Parthasarathy and served to oarsmen of ornate snake boats (Palliyodams). Devotees must sponsor through official channels linked with 52 participating Palliyodams.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The resolution by the TDB to withdraw its alternate booking plan reflects an effort to uphold harmony at a culturally important site like Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple. However, this controversy highlights underlying tensions between administrative authorities and traditional custodians over ritual autonomy and revenue models. By pausing on immediate changes and respecting existing traditions managed by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, there is potential scope for collaborative dialog in future rather than adversarial stand-offs that risk alienating devotees or creating divisions within stakeholders of heritage practices.Read more