Thevar Jayanthi (Tamil: தேவர் செயந்தி), celebrated on 30 October, is an annual commemoration of the birthday of the Indian freedom fighter and politician Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar. It is celebrated in a grand way by the Thevar community in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.[1] Although not an official public holiday, many schools and businesses in the area remain closed on the day.[2][3][4]
Garlanding Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar's statue in Madurai during the 2007 Thevar Jayanthi centenary
The event is not entirely uncontroversial. The CPI(ML) Liberation has charged that the Tamil Nadu government should stop sponsoring Thevar Jayanthi celebrations, claiming that the event is utilised by casteist forces.[7]
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[hide]Thevar's legacy[edit]
Whilst having been active in politics, it is mainly the spiritual discourse of Thevar that explains his following after his death. Also, the fact that his date of birth and death lie some close to each other has been interpreted as a sign of supernatural powers.[5]Thevar Samadhi[edit]
One of the main events on Thevar Jayanthi takes place at the samadhi (burial place) of Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar, located at some 50 miles distance from Madurai. Pilgrims gather to take part in the ceremonies at the samadhi on October 30. In later years the ceremony at the samadhi has begun to attract prominent politicians.[5]Political controversy[edit]
The All India Forward Bloc, the political party to which Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar belonged, has demanded that Thevar Jayanthi be declared a public holiday in Tamil Nadu.[6]The event is not entirely uncontroversial. The CPI(ML) Liberation has charged that the Tamil Nadu government should stop sponsoring Thevar Jayanthi celebrations, claiming that the event is utilised by casteist forces.[7]
கருத்துகள் இல்லை:
கருத்துரையிடுக