Kerala police have registered a case against a school teacher for allegedly asking Muslim students not to take part in Onam celebrations. The incident came to light at Sirajul Uloom English High School in Kadavallur, Thrissur, after the teacher, identified as Khadija, reportedly sent a voice note to parents. In the audio, she urged them to ensure their children avoided Onam festivities, calling it a festival of “other religions.”

She said Muslims should follow Islamic principles and warned that joining such celebrations could amount to “shirk.” She further stated that children should be raised strictly in an Islamic environment and kept away from the customs of other faiths. The case was registered after a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) worker filed a complaint. Police booked the teacher under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to provocation with intent to cause riot.

Following the controversy, the school management suspended two teachers who had circulated similar audio messages, clarifying that their remarks reflected “personal opinions” and not the institution’s stance. The management also stressed that Onam celebrations would be held at the school as planned. Though two teachers circulated separate audio messages, the police have filed a case against only one of them so far. Onam, Kerala’s state festival, is celebrated with enthusiasm across communities, cutting across religious lines.