Vishwa Hindu Parishad State Conference Concludes with Progressive Resolutions on Inter-Caste Marriages and Temple Dress Code

KOCHI:  The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Kerala State Leadership Conference concluded at Pavakulam Hindu Cultural Centre in Kochi after adopting historic, progressive resolutions aimed at social reform and addressing demographic challenges. To counter delayed marriages and declining birth rates highlighted by recent demographic studies, the VHP announced plans to establish a public facilitation system encouraging simple, low-cost marriages free from caste, horoscope matching, and lavish expenditure. VHP State General Secretary Adv. Anil Vilayil clarified that the initiative is designed to support youth and strengthen community welfare rather than oppose traditional astrology. Furthermore, fulfilling recommendations from the Thrissur Sanyasi Sangamam, the VHP resolved to permit men to wear upper garments when entering over 200 temples under its management—a practice already implemented at Pavakulam Mahadeva Temple and Thirunakkara Sreekrishna Swamy Temple. The VHP plans to consult the Thantri Samajam and submit representations to various Devaswom Boards to extend this upper-garment entry relaxation across all state-managed temples. Additionally, the conference resolved to establish ‘Balopasana Kendras’ (gymnasiums) statewide through its youth wings, Bajrang Dal and Durga Vahini, while passing key resolutions regarding demographic shifts and administrative representation.