October 27, 2018
Kerala : The historic Supreme Court verdict lifting the ban of women of all age groups to worship Sabarimala has resulted in a large number of staunch followers resorting to violence and attack women who wanted to the shrine last week.
In response to these barbaric acts, People’s Art and Literary Association (PALA), which is associated with the CPI(ML), have released a Tamil song titled “They say we pollute the temple” on YouTube seeking answers from men who opposed women pilgrims.
The video has had 17,335 views on YouTube and 12,000 views on ‘Vinavu’, which is the official page of PALA.
PALA describes itself as a “revolutionary” cultural organisation that tackles politics and cultural issues. The song starts with women asking why are they considered impure and how can men doubt their intention and prevent them from entering the temple when Lord Ayyappa is a brahmachari.
They add that men advocating on behalf of the Sangh Parivar are politicising the issue and creating a ruckus, hence, urging them to stay at home. The video mocks tat he fact that Kerela is supposed to be ” God’s Own Country ” where women were once asked to go out bare-chested and pay “breast-tax” in the State of Travancore. Till date, they are struggling for equal status and rights in society. The video says women have a role in helping their husband keeping their 41-day vow. Wives wake up early in the morning, cook and sing hymns with them and support their husbands religiously to keep their “vratam”.
The video also sheds light on how Nair women were exploited by Namboothiri men, a reference to the ‘sambandham’ relationships of the past. It further brings to notice that men are compromising on the process and tainting the sanctity of the shrine. It ends stating that it is not tradition, but a curse – one that continues to plagues the ‘Gods Own Country”.
To defame the producer, in the comment section people have used filthy language, showed their aggression, anger and disgust.
In this ugly battle between being progressive versus religious forces, Kerala police arrested over 2,000 people , including women, who staged protests.