Kerala BJP Objects To New Year Effigy In Kochi, Says The Face Of 'Papanji' Resembles PM Modi
The organisers of the famous Cochin Carnival in Kerala's Kochi were forced to modify the face of the New Year effigy, also known as 'Papanji' after some local BJP leaders raised objections to it, claiming that its face resembles that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Burning of 'Papanji', an effigy of an old man, is an integral part of the traditional New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi.
Why is?Papanji burned on New Year's eve?
Every New Year, a giant 'Papanji', is burned on the famous Fort Kochi beach at midnight of December 31 to welcome the New Year, symbolically ending the burdens of the passing year and marking the beginning of the New Year on a fresh note.
It is a long-standing tradition linked to the Portuguese colonial rule in Kerala.
The Papanji, which means grandfather in Portuguese, has no specific theme other than it being an old man and in the past, Santa and characters from dutch folklore have been used.?
How?Papanji landed ins trouble?
The Papanji for this New Year was under construction for the past few days and troubles started on Wednesday after its photos were shared on social media.
Soon some BJP leaders in Ernakulam pointed out that the face resembled that of Modi.
BJP Ernakulam district president Adv K S Shaiju alleged that it was the "handiwork of some vested interests" in the Carnival Committee who wanted to create trouble in the Cochin Carnival, a popular cultural festival. He urged the Carnival Committee to oust such vested interests from the popular forum.
Pappanji gets a new face?
However, the organisers of the Cochin Carnival said that the resemblance was strictly coincidental and agreed to modify the Papanji's face.
"All issues have been sorted out." Noting that the Cochin Carnival Committee comprises people belonging to all parties and religions, he said, "We took down the image on the face of effigy after the BJP workers raised the voice of protest. Now, we all are working unitedly to celebrate the Carnival," an office-bearer of the Cochin Carnival Committee said.
Cochin carnival in Fort Kochi?
According to Kerala Tourism, the Cochin Carnival festivities spread over a week combine Christmas and New Year celebrations?witnessed by thousands of people who gather at Fort Kochi Beach.
Over the years, the Cochin Carnival acquired a distinct identity and is now widely considered one of the region's must-sees spectacles on New Year's eve.
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