Hindu devotees celebrating the Vinayagar Chaturthi at the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Kuantan.
KUANTAN witnessed one of the biggest Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations at the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple as life returned to normal for Hindu devotees following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vinayagar Chaturthi, which fell on Aug 31 this year, is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha.
The 111-year-old temple in Jalan Bukit Ubi held a 10-day celebration, from Aug 23 to Sept 2, which included an abhishegam (ritual bathing of the idol) every morning and evening, followed by annathanam or food served to the public.
Temple committee vice-president Dr Kesavan Ulaganathen said that on Aug 31, some 1,000 devotees from the surrounding area and distant towns visited the temple to witness the auspicious ceremony.
He said that among the devotees were local Hindus from different states as well as foreign workers from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka who were employed in various industrial sectors around Kuantan and its outskirts.
“Devotees brought offerings of flowers, milk, coconuts, fruits, sweets such as mothagam and kozhukattar, and carried paal kudam for the deity as a symbol of thanksgiving. Vegetarian lunch was served.
“In the evening, the chariot procession in the temple grounds was led by priest S. Sambathan Kurukkal, temple president Dr N. Radhakrishnan, committee members and devotees.
“Some traditional events were also arranged by the temple management,” said Kesavan.
He added that the festival had been conducted for the past 40 years without fail except during the pandemic.
