Oman Social Media Criticises Procession In Kerala CM Welcome Parade: “Blasphemy”, “Pagan Ritual”
Muscat: Tensions have flared on social media platforms in Oman following a welcoming procession for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was visiting the Sultanate to address the Malayali expatriate community. The online uproar centres around the inclusion of a traditional “Kettukaala” — decorative ox figures customary in Kerala festivities described by some Omani users as “blasphemy” and evidence of “pagan ritual” being performed in their country.
The incident occurred during the Indian Community Festival at Al Amerat Park, where thousands of Indian expats, many from Kerala, assembled for a warm welcome. The Chief Minister arrived in an open jeep, greeted by applause and cheers from the community. However, several videos shared online depicting the parade, particularly the Kettukaala, triggered a wave of hostile commentary among Omani nationals and some other residents.
“Why do we allow infidels to perform their rituals here in public?” asked one Omani social media user, expressing discomfort at what they deemed disrespectful to local religious consciousness. Another queried, “Who gave them permission?” while a further comment read, “I am not satisfied that this blasphemy is happening in my country. Our silence is enabling this farce; we are not satisfied with our country”. Many expressed frustration over perceived privileging of expatriates over local citizens, raising broader questions about social integration and identity in Oman.
In certain posts, ire shifted towards prominent Kerala-linked business groups operating in Oman, such as Lulu and Nesto. Some users referenced Islamic history, claiming: “When the Prophet opened Mecca, the first thing was to demolish idols… Now, let them practice their religious freedom with us while in their own country they kill Muslims and support money to kill Muslims. Yet they buy from Nesto and Lulu, supporting their economic power”. These remarks blend religious indignation with economic tension and allegations regarding India’s internal treatment of its Muslim community.
Numerous comments drew parallels with reports of anti-Muslim sentiment and incidents in India, suggesting double standards in allowing the free practice of Hindu rituals in Oman, an Islamic nation. One user said, “The Muslims of India are facing persecution… demolishing mosques, banning veils, preventing sacrifices. Indian media suppresses many reports; yet here in the Islamic state, they practise their rituals with ease”.
The controversy was further fuelled by the circulation of a statement purportedly from the Oman Grand Mufti, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalili: “I urge all officials in our wise government to take a firm stand to prevent any intruder from spreading his poison among us.” The Mufti’s call for vigilance underlines the seriousness with which some authorities view the cultural exchanges stemming from such public events.
Kerala’s Chief Minister, for his part, took to X after the visit to highlight the achievements of India and Kerala’s developmental journey, thanking the Indian envoy and local business figures for organising the festival and extending gratitude for the “warm welcome and vibrant celebration”.
Many observers, including Indian expatriates, note that this incident reflects a recurring pattern of tension between host communities and newcomers, particularly as digital platforms magnify and accelerate cultural misunderstandings.
Notably, the Malayali expatriate community in Oman today numbers between 540,000 and 600,000 — the majority among the country’s Indian expats.
