A non-religious Bharatanatyam dancer barred from performing at a Temple in Kerala for being a Muslim by birth

For offering Puja or performing any art form in the Koodalmanikyam Temple, one needs to be a Hindu

Editorial Comments

Every Temple has a code of conduct. There are rules about what is to be done where and who is to do it. All must obey it.
Mansiya was asked about her religion in the form given by the Temple management, where she wrote she has no religion. Please note that she was barred from performing because only those who have faith in the Temple’s Deities are permitted to enter the Temple.
When Mansiya claims that she has no religion of her own, why should she insist on entering this Temple ? Hindus must know the reason for it.

Kochi (Kerala) – Mansiya V P, a Bharatanatyam dancer, was denied permission to perform at the Koodalmanikyam Temple, at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur District of Kerala, as she was not a Hindu. Mansiya, a Muslim by birth, has a PhD in Bharatanatyam. As she learned the Bharatanatyam, she had to face the wrath of the maulvis, who boycotted her family from the Islamic community. Pradip Menon, President of the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board said to a press reporter that, according to the existing Temple tradition, only Hindus are permitted to enter the Temple premises. Around 800 artists will perform in various programmes at the festival organised by the Temple management. According to our rules, artists are asked whether they are Hindus or not. Mansiya had written that she has no religion. Hence, she was denied permission to perform. As per the current tradition, we have refused her performance at the Temple.