Kerala's Tribal King Attends Republic Day Parade in Historic First

Raman Rajamannan, ceremonial leader of the Mannan tribe, represents his community's rich heritage at the 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Raman Rajamannan, the tribal king of Kerala's Mannan community, attended the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, marking the first time a tribal king participated in the event.
The invitation was extended by Kerala's Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, OR Kelu, with travel expenses covered by the Scheduled Caste Development Department.
Rajamannan, accompanied by his wife Binumol, wore traditional Mannan attire, including the ceremonial thalappavu headgear, during the event.
The Mannan community, which follows a matrilineal inheritance system, is based in Idukki district and comprises approximately 300 families spread across 48 settlements.
Despite his royal title, Rajamannan lives a modest life as a farmer, managing a local temple with his family and overseeing community matters through a council of deputies and ministers.