Family’s life-long devotion to Navarathri prayers

Devotees with their offerings during the Navarathiri festival chariot procession.

FOR M. Krishnan and his daughter, Ranjeeta, following the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple chariot procession for Navarathri is more than just a divine calling.

The retired government servant said he grew up in a house three doors down from the temple and would follow the chariot procession on foot every year.

“After my daughter was born, I carried her along for the walk every year. When she was small, they would even let her sit on the chariot as it moved.

“Now, 25 years later, to see her as an adult following the chariot with us is a wonderful feeling,” said the 61-year-old at the temple in Ipoh Lane, Jelutong.

“To us, following the chariot every year during Navarathri is a must. We would take leave from work just to make sure we were here,” he said.

Ranjeeta, 25, remembers how as a child, her father would carry her for the entire chariot journey.

“This is where my grandmother lives and it is something we do as a family every year.

“We would visit the temple during the 10 days of the festival and attend all the prayers.

“My uncles and aunts would join in, too, so it is like a family gathering for around 13 of us.

“We have missed gatherings like this as there was no chariot procession the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the engineer.

The Navarathri festival culminates with Vijayadasami, which takes place on the 10th day, when Hindus believe good triumphs over evil.

The chariot procession carrying the goddess Sri Veeramakaliamman takes place on the 11th day, which takes the deity to various places.

This year’s procession, which started on a 6.5km route about 6pm on Thursday, ended back at the temple around 1am.

It stopped at Jalan Jelutong, Bukit Gelugor, Jalan Yeap Chor Ee, Island Glades, Island Park, Jalan Besi, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Batu Lanchang before heading back to the temple.

Navarathri is dedicated to the three incarnations of the Hindu goddess Shakthi.