Focus on Tamil during Kandasashthi: Minister

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh said on Tuesday that Tamil language and literature would be given priority during the Kandasashthi festival in all major Murugan temples.

He urged the temples under the department to ensure that the Odhuvars sing/sing Thirupugazh, Thirumurai and Kandasashthi kavacham. Priests should also give preference to Tamil in all pujas and proceedings during the festival. Discourses and concerts should also be in Tamil, he added.

In a set of instructions issued by temple leaders, the minister said that special provision must be made for darshan for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and expectant mothers in temples. Volunteers should be available to help these devotees, an official statement said here.

Mr. Ramesh said temple officials should coordinate with police, fire and other departments to ensure proper arrangements like drinking water, toilets and medical care for devotees for darshan during Kandasashthi and Sura Samharam.

Published – 11 Nov 2026 0:33 IST