Devotees express concern over Kandasashti festival preparations in Chennai

Worshipers at the Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple in Chennai, commonly known as Kandhakottam, have expressed anxiety regarding the upcoming Kandasashti festival. Attendees noted that ticket sales for the annual festival's Laksharcharnai usually begin following Vijayadasami, but no tickets have been made available yet.

Devotees pointed out that essential preparations, including tenders for procuring items like pandals, coconuts, bags, and flowers, remain unissued despite the approaching festival date of November 10. This year marks the 99th consecutive year of the festival, which typically features grand musical concerts and distributes prasadam to participants.

Trustees representing the Berri Chettis community, which manages the over 500-year-old scheme temple, stated that the executive officer recently assumed check signatory powers without informing them. According to the trustees, this has left them unable to handle daily administration or pay staff salaries, complicating efforts to organize the event. Representatives from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department indicated they would examine the issue.