Thrissur (kerala) School Teacher Suspended for Urging Muslim Students Not to Join Onam Festivities

[abdul]

Kerala Teacher Suspended Over Onam Controversy

Khadeeja, employed at Sirajul Uloom English School in Kadavallur, Thrissur, has been suspended and is also facing legal proceedings. She is accused of circulating an audio message on WhatsApp, in which she urged Muslim students and parents not to join Onam celebrations, describing it as a “non-Islamic festival” and equating participation with shirk (idolatry).

Acting on a complaint by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Kunnamkulam police registered a case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with incitement of riots and the promotion of communal discord.

The school administration promptly disowned her remarks, stating that her views were personal and not linked to the institution. They also assured that Onam festivities, including the traditional Onasadya (feast), would be held as planned on campus.

Following this, DYFI and CPI(M) members organized a protest march near the school, voicing concerns that such statements might have been issued without the administration’s awareness or consent.

Onam and its Relevance to Malayali Muslims

Onam, Kerala’s iconic harvest festival, commemorates the legendary return of King Mahabali. While rooted in Hindu tradition, the festival has grown into a statewide cultural celebration, observed by Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike as a symbol of unity, prosperity, and regional pride.

Many Malayali Muslims treat Onam as a cultural event rather than a religious one—taking part in feasts, cultural activities, and family gatherings. Academic studies indicate that a significant portion of the Muslim population in Kerala actively engages in Onam, though conservative voices continue to oppose it on theological grounds.

Perspectives Within the Muslim Community

1. Mainstream Outlook – Cultural Acceptance
A large section of Malayali Muslims considers Onam a social festival. They participate in its customs to enjoy the sense of community bonding and inclusiveness, without attaching religious meaning to it.

2. Conservative Outlook – Theological Objections
Some Muslim clerics and conservative groups discourage participation in religious rituals linked to Onam, such as lamp-lighting or temple worship. They, however, differentiate between cultural enjoyment (like joining feasts and watching performances) and practices deemed religious.

3. Response to the Current Incident
The teacher’s message discouraging participation was widely criticized as regressive and unrepresentative of the broader community’s approach to Onam. Authorities and the school administration acted quickly, with many praising the swift suspension and legal action as necessary to safeguard communal harmony and uphold Kerala’s secular values.

This episode highlights the dual role of festivals like Onam, as both cultural heritage and a bridge for interfaith harmony. While theological debates exist within the Muslim community, Kerala’s longstanding tradition of coexistence is embodied in the way Onam is embraced across religious lines. The action taken against the teacher underscores the commitment of institutions and society at large to preserve inclusivity and mutual respect, particularly in educational environments.