Mahamaagham festival faces uncertainty amid dispute over management, leadership

The second edition of the ‘Mahamaagham’ festival being planned at Tirunavaya in the district is facing uncertainty amid a dispute over its management, finances, and leadership.

The Margadarshak Mandalam, a body of Hindu ascetics in Keralam, has accused Juna Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Bharati of sidelining the festival’s existing organisers and failing to maintain financial transparency.

The festival was held in 2026 on the banks of the Bharathapuzha at Tirunavaya. According to a statement by Margadarshak Mandalam president Swami Chidanand Puri and general secretary Swami Satswaroopananda Saraswati, disputes arose after Anandavanam Bharati joined the organising committee for the 2026 event.