Pattina Pravesam: Dharmapuram Adheenam did not disallow Annamalai

The Pattina Pravesam rite is an age-old ritual in which willing devotees carry a deity or a pontiff atop an adorned palanquin. Recently, this sparked outrage among rationalists, prompting the RDO to ban the ritual, calling it a violation of human rights.

The postcard allegedly released by Polimer TV claims that the Dharmapuram Adheenam has passed a statement that Annamalai will not be allowed to sleep at the entrance hall as this festival is traditionally attended only by vegetarians

FACT CHECK:

Firstly, NewsMeter searched for news reports or statements made by the Dharmapuram Adheenam on the issue but found none. No statement was passed on Annamalai not being allowed to sleep in the entrance hall.

Secondly, NewsMeter noticed that the font and design of the viral post are different from the template used by Polimer TV. NewsMeter checked the social media accounts of the media organization but did not find any such post published. Polimer TV refuted the viral post on Twitter and called it fake. This post is not authentic.

Thirdly, Annamail has called for withdrawing the ban on the 'Pattina Pravesam' rite in Dharmapuram Adheenam. News 18, quoting Annamalai said: "The government should show respect to Aadheenams. The ban should be withdrawn. Otherwise, the BJP will conduct the event by defying the government ban. We are prepared and there is no second opinion about it…. This government is disrespecting the gurus and intimidating the mutts. The government should give up this dangerous game."

He further said that the citing of Article 23 of the Constitution on forced labor (to ban the event) does not apply to this religious event.

Annamail tweeted that the ban is against the civilization and culture of Tamil Nadu.

No statement was issued disallowing Annamalai to sleep at the entrance hall.

The post is fake.