Thevar, U Muthuramalinga

Thevar, U Muthuramalinga

An incredible occasion takes place in the center of Kolkata, India, every October 30th when hundreds of members of the Thevar community in West Bengal come together for the annual Thevar Jayanthi Guru Puja. On this occasion, U Muthuramalinga Thevar, a well-known politician and the head of the Thevar community, celebrates his birth anniversary. The event, which honors a man whose contributions to India's freedom struggle and fight against untouchability made an enduring impression on the country, is a dynamic fusion of religious devotion and cultural significance.

Thevar's Amazing Life and Contribution

In the Tamil Nadu district of Ramnad,ev U Muthuramalinga Thar served as both a politician and the secretary of the Harijan Sevak Sangh. He was adamantly against untouchability and led Harijans into the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai in 1939 to protest the prevalent discriminatory customs. In addition, he was a strong opponent of the harsh Criminal Tribes Act of 1920, which he helped to repeal.

West Bengal's Thevar Community

In West Bengal, there are more than 3,000 members of the Thevar community who live in various parts of the state. They live in neighborhoods like New Market, Janbazar, and Lake Gardens in Kolkata, where they frequently operate catering or business ventures. In central Kolkata, a large number of roadside booths serving dosa and idli are run by the Thevar community.

The Inception of a Custom in Kolkata

One indication of the community's past in the city is the 10-foot-tall golden statue of U Muthuramalinga Thevar located in central Kolkata. Due to financial difficulties, a few Thevar people were left behind in Bengal in 1949 after returning from Burma. They invited friends and relatives from their Tamil Nadu villages to join them, laying the groundwork for the community's expansion in the area.

Guru Puja on Thevar Jayanthi: A Treasured Custom

Eleven days before the festival, Thevar Jayanthi Guru Puja is being prepared. Offering tall pitchers of milk and other religious offerings to Thevar's statue is the focal point of the festival. The smaller, three-foot-tall fiberglass monument is especially made for the ceremony and is kept in storage all year round. After a ceremonial cleaning with lemon, milk, coconut water, sandalwood, and vibhuti, offerings of sweet pongal, bananas, and coconuts are made along with garlands. The entire community commits to fasting until the ceremony is over.

A Solemn Barefoot Journey to Honor

People who come from outside Kolkata take a bus to the city, cross the Vidyasagar Setu, and get off close to Fort William. From there, they follow the tradition of entering a temple without shoes and walk barefoot to Central Avenue. Children take part in this holy journey as well.

A Motivating Executive Recalling

Muthuramalinga, U. Thevar is remembered similarly to B. R. Ambedkar in India, and his legacy is similar to that of the latter. After 1980, his influence increased as evidenced by the construction of statues in his honor and the deification of Thevar. He is still a significant player in Tamil Nadu politics today.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Thevars: Companion Pairs

A key moment in Thevar's political career occurred when he joined Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's All India Forward Bloc in 1939. Their strong opposition to imperialism, anti-caste activism, and social justice convictions united them deeply. Prior to honoring Thevar, the Thevar community pays its respects to Netaji, highlighting the important roles that both leaders had in their lives.

Respecting a Common Heritage

The community's desire for Thevar to be present alongside Netaji was reflected in the 2009 collaboration between the Netaji Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Tamil Sangam and the All India Forward Bloc to erect a statue of Thevar in Kolkata. The community paid for this initiative with donations and other forms of support totaling Rs 20 lakh.

Festivities in Tamil Nadu and Throughout India

Thevar Jayanthi Guru Puja is celebrated extensively in Tamil Nadu, especially in Ramanathapuram, Thevar's birthplace, and extends beyond Kolkata. Because political leaders from various parties are attending these events, strict security measures are in place.

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