Tourists climb holy cross in Keralam’s Munnar, sparking outrage

Church authorities have filed a complaint with the Munnar police demanding strict action after a group of tourists climbed a holy cross at Pallivasal near Munnar in Idukki.According to church officials, four youths climbed the cross affiliated with St. Ann’s Church in Pallivasal, which comes under the Vijayapuram diocese of the Latin Catholic Church. The incident occurred as tourists flocked to the Pallivasal hills, which have recently witnessed the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers. The group climbed the structure, took photographs, and posted them online. Church authorities lodged a strong protest after the images went viral on social media, terming the act sacrilegious.Vijosh Mulloor, Vicar of St. Ann’s Church, said devotees regularly climb the hill to observe the Way of the Cross on Fridays and throughout the Lenten season.“This act tarnishes Christian religious symbols. The church has formally filed a complaint with the Munnar police, demanding that a case be registered and strict action taken against those who desecrated the Holy Cross,” Fr. Mulloor said.Police officials noted that it was suspected that the youths climbed the cross on either Friday or Saturday, and efforts are currently under way to identify them. Published - September 19, 2026 07:24 pm IST