Dazzling Chariots parade as Tamil New Year dawns in Jaffna
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
Flower petals are sprinkled as the deities leave for a colourful parade
The annual chariot or cart festival of Arulmigu Sri Ambalavaana Vetha Vinaayagar Temple in Thaavady, Jaffna was held on 14th of April 2011, on கரா ~ “Kara” Tamil Hindu new year day. Arulmigu Sri Ambalavaana Vetha Vinaayagar Temple is also known as Thaavady Pillaiyar temple.
A large number of devotees thronged the temple in the morning to take part in religious activities. Polished Brass deities had a divine bath at dawn, decorated with fresh flower garlands and silk clothes, they were carried by men devotees on their shoulders inside the temple, and brought out after an hour long colourful procession with prayers.
Lord Vinayagar, Lord Murugan and Goddesses Valliyammai and Thievayaanai and Lord Sandeswarar were paraded in three chariots.
Three chariots were pulled by men and male kids, while women devotees joined them by carrying hot clay pot of burning camphor either on their heads or palms.
Beautifully decorated deities are being paraded
Coconuts are being smashed
"Geethaasaaram" at the entrance
An unusual version of Lord Pillaiyaar
A heap of coconuts kept in front of the main chariot for smashing as it leaves
A woman devotee prays inside the temple
Brass idols of four famous Sage
Colourful candy stall
View of vicinity during the festivity
Toys stall in Thaavady
Tireless men are seen carrying the heavyweight deities on their shoulders
Periyampillai Subramaniam (63) and his wife Annalakshmi Subramaniam (55)sell peanuts during the temple festival
As the dazzling chariots parade on an extremely warm day
The main chariot carries decorated Lord Panchcha Muga Vinaayagar ~ deity with five faces
Devotees at the festival
Men camphor carriers at the festival,which is quite a rare occasion in Jaffna
Decorated deities Lord Murugan,Goddesses Valliyammai and Theivayaanai in the chariot and on a parade
View of the Kopuram and Chariot together on “Kara” Tamil Hindu New Year
Women devotees are seen fulfilling their vows
Cute wooden carvings on the main chariot
Decorated idol of Sandeswarar parades
Peanuts for sale in a nearby stall
Vaithilingam Gunarajah (56) and his son Gunarajah Mithuraj (5)enjoy pulling the Lord Sandeswarar's chariot
Men devotees are seen fulfilling their vows
Men are seen pulling the chariot. This photo was taken while I steadily move being under and stooped with the speed of the main chariot which was moving with heavyweight
devotees thronged in large number despite the unusual warm weather
Traditional Thavil and Naathaswaram musicians take the lead
Scene in the vicinity
View of தண்ணீர்ப் பந்தல் ~ "Thanneer Panthal" ~ free drinks stall to quench thirst
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