Thiruvananthapuram: The Catholic Church in Kerala has termed Onam a cultural festival after some preachers discouraged Christians from celebrating the annual harvest festival claiming it violates Christian teachings, The Hindu reported.
Theologian Fr. Sebastian Chalakkal, based on a directive from the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church, issued a note addressing the trend of preachers discouraging Christians from celebrating Onam.
The note stands against giving Onam a religious emphasis, easing the concerns amid Christians taking part in the celebrations.
Refuting the claims that celebrating Onam goes against Gods’ commandments, the notes expands on the importance of interfaith dialogue.
The note made it clear its stands on Church’s relationship with other religions, and approach to rituals of different faiths.
Fr. Sebastian Chalakkal points out that ‘Keralites view Onam as a cultural festival’, adding that ‘Christians celebrate it not as part of any religious practice’.
The note further pointed out that all aspects of Onam including the grand feasts, floral decorations, performances like Pulikali are of cultural pride not religious rituals.
The Church’s response came after some preachers urged on social media not to celebrated Onam, especially in Church-run institutions and parishes.
It is reported a senior priest accused the new preachers of trying to ‘disrupt the communal harmony of our society’.