Madras HC Permits Santhanakoodu Festival with Restrictions

The Madras High Court has allowed the Santhanakoodu festival to be held at a dargah on Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai.

However, the court has put some rules in place.

No animals can be sacrificed, and no meat can be cooked or served during the festival.

Only 50 people are allowed to participate.

The court made this decision after the Tamil Nadu government said the festival should be like it was in 2023.

The court also said that another event called Kandhoori Mahautsav will not be allowed.

This decision came after someone complained that the dargah was planning to do Kandhoori, which includes animal sacrifice.

The court will hear more about this on January 20.

Recently, there was a protest during a flag-hoisting ceremony at the dargah, with people wanting permission to perform a religious ritual on the nearby hill.

The police said only Santhanakoodu-related activities are allowed, and this has caused some political arguments.