Kozhikode: A temple committee in Kozhikode has revoked its decision, which had disallowed backward community members to perform percussion as part of decades-old ritual at Vadakara temple. In a meeting held on November 16, it was decided to retain the Malayan community members for the vadhyam performance at Elambangottu Kavu Shiva temple, Aeralam, Vadakara.

The State SC/ST Commission had on November 14 directed the Kerala Police to register a case in the matter and submit a report within 20 days. The Commission informed the High Court on Monday that it has no objections to the performance. Following this, the Court directed all parties to conduct the rituals without hindrance and to maintain public tranquillity.

Onmanorama reported on November 13 about the controversy that erupted after the committee allegedly denied three brothers — Sudheesh M, Vinodhan M, and Ratheesh M — from the Malayan community (a Scheduled Caste) their traditional right to perform at last year’s festival, breaking a six-decade-old practice.

“We are extremely happy with the committee’s decision. We performed at the temple and were allowed to play before the sanctum sanctorum and join the pradakshinam. We are grateful to the media for highlighting the issue,” Vinodhan M told Onmanorama after Monday’s performance.

After a year of unsuccessful discussions, the brothers and their uncle had lodged a police complaint against the temple committee, alleging caste-based discrimination and denial of their traditional right to perform.

According to the family, temple president Sudheeran KM had summoned Sudheesh in 2024 and informed him that the kuthuvilakku ritual would henceforth be handled by members of the Nambeesan caste instead of the Thiyya community — a decision that would also end the Malayan family’s participation in the Mandala Vilakku festival. Sudheesh was also offered ₹10,000 as dakshina to allegedly step aside.

Though one of the brothers was later allowed to perform in 2024 after further discussions, he was reportedly barred from playing before the sanctum sanctorum and made to perform outside, breaking long-held tradition. He was also denied permission to join the ritual procession (pradakshinam) with the valamthala.

Temple authorities, however, denied the allegations of caste discrimination. Vinodan PK, secretary of the Elambangottu Kavu Shiva Temple, told Onmanorama that the family was replaced only after the elder brother approached them saying they could not continue playing for such a meagre sum.

According to the complaint filed with the Director General of Police and the Kozhikode Rural District Police Commissioner, the family alleges they were subjected to threats and social pressure, forcing one of them to sign a document under duress.