Children dress up for Navarathri contest and take home prizes

(From left) Darshika, Tharrshini and Vasenth posing with their trophies. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

FOR the third time, R. Vasenth, 10, has won the Navarathri cultural costume competition by Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch.

The SK Batu Lanchang pupil said he worked hard and thanked his parents for helping him.

Portraying Lord Muruga in the 10 to 12 age category, Vasenth caught the attention of jurors and beat 10 other competitors.

Lord Murugan is a much revered Hindu deity especially in south India.

He is known by various names such as Shanmuga, Subhramaniam, Guha, Senthil and Skanda.

Navarathri, which means nine nights, is a Hindu festival celebrating the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.

During the festival, Hindus will pray and observe a strict vegetarian diet.

Five-year-old A. Tharrshini won the four to six age category while T. Dharshika, eight, was the winner in the seven to nine age category.

Each winner received a trophy, cash prizes and a goodie bag.

Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch chairman Thanabalan Nanda Kumar, 38, said the objective of the competition was to instil knowledge of Hindu traditions among schoolchildren

Held since 2018, this year’s event at Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple hall in Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, attracted 36 children.

Bagan Dalam assemblyman M.Satees, who was present, said events like this were important for the younger generation to learn more about their religion and culture.