An Enchanting Annual Aadi Vel Festival in Colombo
"Life is a festival only to the wise"~Ralph Waldo Emerson, (1803-1882), (American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist)
The 136th Annual Aadi Vel festival was held in Colombo with colour and glamour. Beautifully decorated wooden carved cart left the Colombo Sammaankodu Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple in Sea Street left in the morning on July 23rd 2010 and reached the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple at night. The colourful procession paraded through the main streets in Colombo. Traditional musicians playing the Thavil and Naathaswaram led the procession. The festival wended through many main streets in Colombo after a lapse of 16 years. The colourful procession started from Pettah and travel through York Street, Echelon Square and Galle Road to Bambalapitty, which has been the route for the annual Vel festival for more the 100 years.
“There was a Cholera outbreak in Sri Lanka in 1874, and the British rulers did not allow the devotees to attend the annual festival and be on the Paatha Yathra to Kathirgaamam. The devotees in Colombo got together, and celebrated the festival. This led us to celebrate the Vel festival in Colombo annually” says the Chief Trustee of the Colombo Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple Mr. A. Manickavasagar.
The idols of Lord Murugan and his two wives Goddess Valli Ammai and Goddess Theivayaanai paraded in the cart and blessed the devotees on the way. Special Poojas were offered during their comfortable stay at Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty. The whole temple was decorated beautifully with Yellow colour lights, Banana leaves and fresh flower ganrlands. Devotees thronged the temple in large numbers to welcome and worship the visiting deities and enjoy the traditional musical concerts.
The procession leaves early in the morning
The idol of Vel is decorated beautifully with fresh flowers and pure silk and leaves the temple for the water cutting ceremony or Theertham
The annual Vel Festival in Colombo is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour
The festival has been organised on a grand scale
The Annual Aadi Vel festival is aregula feature in the Hindu calendar
Vimalanatha Sharma carries the Trident for a deep dip in the ocean
Many devotees accompanied the idol to the ocean
Idol of Vel on its divine vehicle Peacock
Many men are seen carrying the idol of Vel along the Galle Road early in the morning
Procession proceeds on the Galle Road
Idol parades right in front of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Vel festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan
Devotees chant “Vettivel (Victorious Vel), Veeravel (Courageous Vel), and Arokara
Tamil merchants walk with the procession
It is the single most extensive celebration of the Hindus
This particular festival is one of the most spiritual pageant in Sri Lanka
Traditional musicians play throughout the fetival
The idol parades in Bambalapitty
The procession is taking a turn from Bambalapitty to Wellawatte
Garland makers in Bambalapitty made many beautiful garlands for the visiting idols
Men in White walk in fornt of the procession
Devotees walking with the procession for a few hours
Residents pop out to view the magnificent procession
Male devotees participate in another ritual on the soil before the main ceremony in the ocean
The procession is on the track
The idol is on the Marine Drive
The procession is on the beach
Seated on the soil of Wellawatte beach
The festival is a momentous occasion of the Hindus
Female devotees sit on the soft soil to watch the rituals
Rituals take place at auspicious time
The Trident is being taken to the ocean for a deep dip
Child's play ashore.This is a very common scene on any shore in Sri Lanka
The Trident is circled by male devotees and immersed in water
Splashing sea water straight on my camera
Male devotees are excited to be in the rough ocean
Honey shower is being given
Male devotees are trying to keep their space secured with the rough waves
A relaxed Life Saving Guard on a surfing board
Divine shower is underway
Ocean is rougher than usual
The water cutting ceremony takes place in the middle of the ocean
Somaskanda Ramesh Kurukkal is seen carrying out the rituals in the ocean
Men in the rough ocean on a fullmoon day
The Trident is being brought back ashore
The idol is kept ashore while the Trident is taken to the ocena for the watre cutting ceremony
Fishing in the ocean
Male devotees are helping each other in the ocean
Devotees throng the ocean
Female devotees are trying to balance in the rough waves
Enjoying the ocean bath
Vibrant colours are used to decorate the idol
Taking part in the religious rituals
Kanthaswamipillai Somasundaram (53) from Thalawakelle has been taking part in the rituals of the annual Vel festival for 40 years
Kinorss Life Saving Guards are on duty
Balakrishnan Sivaranjan (15) from Thalawakelle who is pretended to be the Lord Vairavar or Idumban is seen soaked after a deep dip
Divine showcase on the shore
Representing the rich religious fervour
A female devotee touches and worships the Kaavadi
Vimalanatha Sharma carries the Trident and walks ashore after a deep divine dip in the ocean
The festival is being held with gratitude and reverence by the devotees
Early morning walk along the Railway track
Decorated Trident parades with the procession
A quick jump in Wellawatte
Procession on the way back to Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Colourful idol parades under Coconut trees along the beach
Procession along the railway track
Fresh Lime on top of a Trident attached to a Kaavadi
The procession is crossing the Railway track
The deity is being carried at sky level
Many gather every year to celebrate the unique cultural event
Absolute devotion is felt throughout the festival
Torch is being carred during the procession
Spectacular deity parades through the residential area
Charming procession on Charlemont Road
Devotees are waiting to welcome the Vel
Heavy wooden divine vehicle with the idol and priest are being carried by male devotees
Procession on Charlemont Road in Wellawatte
Kaavadi dancers at the festival
Devotees offer pure silk on the way to the visiting idol
Offerings are made on top of Charlemont Road
A tray of offerings are kept on a street
The procession moves along the Galle Road
Devotees walk tirelessly with the procession for long hours on barefoot
Somaskanda Ramesh Kurukkal of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagr temple accompanies the Vel
Famous double decker bus on Galle Road
A lively procession on Galle Road
A scene on the Zebra crossing in Bambalapitty
Traditionally and usually men are allowed to carry the idol
Men are breaking the coconuts on the street
Devotees are gathered to welcome the procession
The street is being shared in Bambalapitty
Another view of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka vinayagar temple
Divine Peacock vehicle carries the Vel and the men carry the idol and the priest on the shoulders
Crossing the Galle Road in Bambalapitty
Many devotees took a day off to enjoy the festival
The procession is on the opposite direction while returning to the temple
Trance time for a devotee while the idol returns to the temple
A real carnival atmosphere takes over the city which reaches fever pitch in the areas close to the temples in Bambalapiity
A view of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in the morning
The wonderful procession wends its way
Lotus petals are being showered from the Raaja Kopuram of the temple to welcome the idol back
The Vel is being brought back to the temple
The spear is being fixed with Lord Murugan"s hand after the water cutting ceremony and the procession
Sandalwood dress for the Lord Murugan at Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Tamil month of Aadi is full of festivals
Pigeons are seen busy pecking grains
Lights are lit up in many lines
A view of the Raaja Kopuram (Mani Tower) of the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
A devotee carries a Coconut lit with Camphor at night
Pathmabhooshanam,Kalaimaamani Valaiyaapatty Subramaniam-Thavil,Thiruppathy Haribabu-Naathaswaram are adding the extra colour to the festival
Beautiful sculptures of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple at night
Aadi Vel festival reflects the unique religious history in Sri Lanka
Idols are decorated for the festival
Devotees fill the space to view the special Pooja
Offerings to the Pooja are being ccaried by the priests to the temple
Devotees throng the temple in large numbers
The temple is kept open for long hours
Men are carrying some of the Pooja items
A kind notice for the devotees in the temple
Devotees are taking part in the prayers
Temple is beautifully decorated for the festival
During the pooja time
Anna Thaanam is served on special spiritual days and during the festive time
The Chief Priest of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty Sitsabesa Kurukkal (Mani Iyer) offers Panchchaararththi to the idols
Devotees reflect on the mirror inside the temple
"Giving food is as good as giving life" is a famous saying among the Hindus in Sri Lanka
Another devotee gets into trance as the Pooja is being conducted for Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Balakrishnan Sivaranjan (15) from Thalawakelle who is pretended to be the Lord Vairavar or Idumban gets into a trance
Devotees sit in many lines for the Anna Thaanam
Priest and the devotees wait at the entrance of Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Nallan Ravi (28) from Thalawakelle dances with Kaavadi
It is a tradition to offer food at the end of a pooja or festival to Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Many men volunteered to take care of many things during the festival
Rice and curries are offered to Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Anna Thaanam (issue of free meals or food) is being served to the devotees at the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty
Trays of flowers and other items for Pooja are kept for sale around the Lorenz Road
Many devotees believe par taking in Anna Thaanam is a blessing
Lights are lit up on the Raaja Kopuram of Sammankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty
The 136th Annual Aadi Vel festival was held in Colombo with colour and glamour. Beautifully decorated wooden carved cart left the Colombo Sammaankodu Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple in Sea Street left in the morning on July 23rd 2010 and reached the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple at night. The colourful procession paraded through the main streets in Colombo. Traditional musicians playing the Thavil and Naathaswaram led the procession. The festival wended through many main streets in Colombo after a lapse of 16 years. The colourful procession started from Pettah and travel through York Street, Echelon Square and Galle Road to Bambalapitty, which has been the route for the annual Vel festival for more the 100 years.
“There was a Cholera outbreak in Sri Lanka in 1874, and the British rulers did not allow the devotees to attend the annual festival and be on the Paatha Yathra to Kathirgaamam. The devotees in Colombo got together, and celebrated the festival. This led us to celebrate the Vel festival in Colombo annually” says the Chief Trustee of the Colombo Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple Mr. A. Manickavasagar.
The idols of Lord Murugan and his two wives Goddess Valli Ammai and Goddess Theivayaanai paraded in the cart and blessed the devotees on the way. Special Poojas were offered during their comfortable stay at Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty. The whole temple was decorated beautifully with Yellow colour lights, Banana leaves and fresh flower ganrlands. Devotees thronged the temple in large numbers to welcome and worship the visiting deities and enjoy the traditional musical concerts.
The procession leaves early in the morning
The idol of Vel is decorated beautifully with fresh flowers and pure silk and leaves the temple for the water cutting ceremony or Theertham
The annual Vel Festival in Colombo is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour
The festival has been organised on a grand scale
The Annual Aadi Vel festival is aregula feature in the Hindu calendar
Vimalanatha Sharma carries the Trident for a deep dip in the ocean
Many devotees accompanied the idol to the ocean
Idol of Vel on its divine vehicle Peacock
Many men are seen carrying the idol of Vel along the Galle Road early in the morning
Procession proceeds on the Galle Road
Idol parades right in front of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Vel festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan
Devotees chant “Vettivel (Victorious Vel), Veeravel (Courageous Vel), and Arokara
Tamil merchants walk with the procession
It is the single most extensive celebration of the Hindus
This particular festival is one of the most spiritual pageant in Sri Lanka
Traditional musicians play throughout the fetival
The idol parades in Bambalapitty
The procession is taking a turn from Bambalapitty to Wellawatte
Garland makers in Bambalapitty made many beautiful garlands for the visiting idols
Men in White walk in fornt of the procession
Devotees walking with the procession for a few hours
Residents pop out to view the magnificent procession
Male devotees participate in another ritual on the soil before the main ceremony in the ocean
The procession is on the track
The idol is on the Marine Drive
The procession is on the beach
Seated on the soil of Wellawatte beach
The festival is a momentous occasion of the Hindus
Female devotees sit on the soft soil to watch the rituals
Rituals take place at auspicious time
The Trident is being taken to the ocean for a deep dip
Child's play ashore.This is a very common scene on any shore in Sri Lanka
The Trident is circled by male devotees and immersed in water
Splashing sea water straight on my camera
Male devotees are excited to be in the rough ocean
Honey shower is being given
Male devotees are trying to keep their space secured with the rough waves
A relaxed Life Saving Guard on a surfing board
Divine shower is underway
Ocean is rougher than usual
The water cutting ceremony takes place in the middle of the ocean
Somaskanda Ramesh Kurukkal is seen carrying out the rituals in the ocean
Men in the rough ocean on a fullmoon day
The Trident is being brought back ashore
The idol is kept ashore while the Trident is taken to the ocena for the watre cutting ceremony
Fishing in the ocean
Male devotees are helping each other in the ocean
Devotees throng the ocean
Female devotees are trying to balance in the rough waves
Enjoying the ocean bath
Vibrant colours are used to decorate the idol
Taking part in the religious rituals
Kanthaswamipillai Somasundaram (53) from Thalawakelle has been taking part in the rituals of the annual Vel festival for 40 years
Kinorss Life Saving Guards are on duty
Balakrishnan Sivaranjan (15) from Thalawakelle who is pretended to be the Lord Vairavar or Idumban is seen soaked after a deep dip
Divine showcase on the shore
Representing the rich religious fervour
A female devotee touches and worships the Kaavadi
Vimalanatha Sharma carries the Trident and walks ashore after a deep divine dip in the ocean
The festival is being held with gratitude and reverence by the devotees
Early morning walk along the Railway track
Decorated Trident parades with the procession
A quick jump in Wellawatte
Procession on the way back to Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Colourful idol parades under Coconut trees along the beach
Procession along the railway track
Fresh Lime on top of a Trident attached to a Kaavadi
The procession is crossing the Railway track
The deity is being carried at sky level
Many gather every year to celebrate the unique cultural event
Absolute devotion is felt throughout the festival
Torch is being carred during the procession
Spectacular deity parades through the residential area
Charming procession on Charlemont Road
Devotees are waiting to welcome the Vel
Heavy wooden divine vehicle with the idol and priest are being carried by male devotees
Procession on Charlemont Road in Wellawatte
Kaavadi dancers at the festival
Devotees offer pure silk on the way to the visiting idol
Offerings are made on top of Charlemont Road
A tray of offerings are kept on a street
The procession moves along the Galle Road
Devotees walk tirelessly with the procession for long hours on barefoot
Somaskanda Ramesh Kurukkal of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagr temple accompanies the Vel
Famous double decker bus on Galle Road
A lively procession on Galle Road
A scene on the Zebra crossing in Bambalapitty
Traditionally and usually men are allowed to carry the idol
Men are breaking the coconuts on the street
Devotees are gathered to welcome the procession
The street is being shared in Bambalapitty
Another view of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka vinayagar temple
Divine Peacock vehicle carries the Vel and the men carry the idol and the priest on the shoulders
Crossing the Galle Road in Bambalapitty
Many devotees took a day off to enjoy the festival
The procession is on the opposite direction while returning to the temple
Trance time for a devotee while the idol returns to the temple
A real carnival atmosphere takes over the city which reaches fever pitch in the areas close to the temples in Bambalapiity
A view of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in the morning
The wonderful procession wends its way
Lotus petals are being showered from the Raaja Kopuram of the temple to welcome the idol back
The Vel is being brought back to the temple
The spear is being fixed with Lord Murugan"s hand after the water cutting ceremony and the procession
Sandalwood dress for the Lord Murugan at Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
Tamil month of Aadi is full of festivals
Pigeons are seen busy pecking grains
Lights are lit up in many lines
A view of the Raaja Kopuram (Mani Tower) of the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple
A devotee carries a Coconut lit with Camphor at night
Pathmabhooshanam,Kalaimaamani Valaiyaapatty Subramaniam-Thavil,Thiruppathy Haribabu-Naathaswaram are adding the extra colour to the festival
Beautiful sculptures of the Raaja Kopuram of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple at night
Aadi Vel festival reflects the unique religious history in Sri Lanka
Idols are decorated for the festival
Devotees fill the space to view the special Pooja
Offerings to the Pooja are being ccaried by the priests to the temple
Devotees throng the temple in large numbers
The temple is kept open for long hours
Men are carrying some of the Pooja items
A kind notice for the devotees in the temple
Devotees are taking part in the prayers
Temple is beautifully decorated for the festival
During the pooja time
Anna Thaanam is served on special spiritual days and during the festive time
The Chief Priest of Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty Sitsabesa Kurukkal (Mani Iyer) offers Panchchaararththi to the idols
Devotees reflect on the mirror inside the temple
"Giving food is as good as giving life" is a famous saying among the Hindus in Sri Lanka
Another devotee gets into trance as the Pooja is being conducted for Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Balakrishnan Sivaranjan (15) from Thalawakelle who is pretended to be the Lord Vairavar or Idumban gets into a trance
Devotees sit in many lines for the Anna Thaanam
Priest and the devotees wait at the entrance of Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Nallan Ravi (28) from Thalawakelle dances with Kaavadi
It is a tradition to offer food at the end of a pooja or festival to Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Many men volunteered to take care of many things during the festival
Rice and curries are offered to Lord Vairavar or Idumban
Anna Thaanam (issue of free meals or food) is being served to the devotees at the Sammaankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty
Trays of flowers and other items for Pooja are kept for sale around the Lorenz Road
Many devotees believe par taking in Anna Thaanam is a blessing
Lights are lit up on the Raaja Kopuram of Sammankodu Sri Maanikka Vinayagar temple in Bambalapitty
posted by DushiYanthini at 9:03 AM
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