The annual festival at a revered Dargah in the historic temple city of Madurai began on Monday, but the commencement was marked by significant protests from Hindu nationalist groups. The situation escalated when activists from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other right-wing organisations staged a demonstration, leading to their detention by local police.
Protests Over Access Rights
The core of the dispute revolves around access to a hilltop location. The protesting groups expressed strong opposition to the permission granted to Muslim devotees to conduct their festival. They raised slogans highlighting their grievance of not being allowed atop the same hill during the recently concluded Hindu festival of Karthigai Deepam. The protesters argued for equal access or a consistent policy regarding the use of the contested site for religious observances.
Police Action and Detentions
In response to the demonstration, which had the potential to disrupt communal harmony, the Madurai police swiftly intervened. Law enforcement officials detained the activists to prevent the situation from escalating further. The police action was aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring that the Dargah festival could proceed without any untoward incidents. The detained individuals were reportedly from the BJP and affiliated right-wing outfits.
Background and Lasting Implications
This incident underscores the ongoing and sensitive nature of shared religious spaces in India's diverse cultural landscape. Madurai, a city with deep historical and religious significance for multiple communities, has witnessed similar tensions in the past. The protest on 22 December 2025 brings to the fore the complex challenges local authorities face in balancing religious freedoms and maintaining peace. The detention of the protesters reflects the administration's immediate priority to uphold law and order during a sensitive religious gathering.
The report of these events was filed by ETB Sivapriyan and last updated on 22 December 2025 at 14:14 IST. The development is being closely watched as it may have implications for inter-community relations and administrative protocols for managing religious festivals in Tamil Nadu.
