Questions are being raised about the plan to hold the Kerala Kumbha Mela regularly on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. While some pro-Hindu organisations claim that the festival has historical roots in the area, there is no clear evidence to prove that such an event was traditionally held at Tirunavaya in Malappuram district.
These groups say the festival is linked to history and culture. However, critics doubt these claims and argue that the move could be an attempt at social or political engineering. Some people are concerned that organising the event regularly might create religious divisions in the region, which has a large Muslim population.
The recent Mahamagha Mahotsavam, a 15-day religious gathering held on the sandy banks of the river, has now ended. After the crowds left, the area returned to normal. The dry riverbed, covered with grass and sand, showed signs of summer as the water level slowly reduced.
The Bharathapuzha, also known as Perar and often called the “Nile of Kerala,” now flows quietly again. But even though the festival is over, the debate continues. People are still discussing whether the event is truly based on history or if it is being used for political or religious reasons.