Aranmula vallasadya controversy: Oarsmen accuse Devaswom Board of 'commercialising' the ritual

Kerala's renowned Aranmula Vallasadya, a ritualistic and traditional grand meal held at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, began a few days ago. However, the ceremony has now run into a rift between the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). PSS, the association of the snakeboat oarsmen, accuses TDB of commercialising the vallasadya, ignoring its traditions and rituals. 

What's the issue?
The devotees contact the Palliyoda Seva Sangam to book the sadya as an offering at the temple. However, anyone could now pay Rs 250 and book the sadya held by the Dewaswom Board on Sundays. The Palliyoda Seva Sangam has slammed the Dewaswom Board against this decision, stating that it violates the traditions of the sadya. The Palliyoda Sangam even wonders whether the sadya conducted by the Dewaswom Board is anything like the traditional feast they organise.

They argue that the sadya, which is conducted by collecting Rs 250, becomes a commercial event if a palliyodam doesn’t participate. The statement released by the Palliyoda Seva Sangam notes that they have not yet discussed the matter with the Dewaswom members.

Meanwhile, the Dewaswom Board claims that it had held an initial round of meetings with the Aranmula temple samiti in June, which was attended by the Palliyoda Sevasangam president. The Board stated that the High Court has recommended that the Board take up the reins of the vallasadya.

Financial and organisational factors
The Palliyoda Seva Sangam earns around Rs 4.5 crore by conducting the annual vallasadya. The sangam manages the finances, including the expenses for the sadya. Additionally, grants for the 52 palliyodams are also allotted from this. The Palliyoda Seva Sangam also conducts the Uthrittathi boat race. Therefore, the Palliyoda Seva Sangam believes that the Dewaswom Board is attempting to take these away from their hands. They assume that conducting the sadya on Sundays is a first step towards their effort to grab power.

Vallasadya, held as part of the Aranmula Uthritathi boat race boasts of amazing tradition and a rich cultural heritage. So, people are worried whether the conflict between the Palliyoda Seva Sangam and the Dewaswom Board would diminish the cultural significance of the vallasadya.