Temple Kumbabishekam Cannot be Conducted by Individual; Multi-Community Committee Mandatory: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has held that a temple Kumbabishekam cannot be conducted by an individual when multiple communities reside in a village.

Directing inclusive participation, the Court ordered the formation of a committee comprising representatives from all communities to conduct the festival. It observed that no community can claim “first honour” and that there must be no discrimination in religious functions.

The Court emphasised that temple festivals are collective community affairs and must be conducted in a harmonious and inclusive manner.

Accordingly, the fit person appointed by the HR&CE Department was directed to constitute a multi-community committee and oversee the Kumbabishekam jointly.