Lord Murugan’s reverence for Adi Vel
The Kataragama Perahera in the southern part of the island and the Aadi Vel festival in Colombo take place at the same time. The origins of the Aadi Vel custom in the city are said to date back to 1874, when cholera was spreading and the colonial government banned devotees from starting the customary Pada Yatra walk to Kataragama. Those who were unable to travel organised their own observances of the national holiday, Kataragama, around the Murugan temples in Colombo.
There are two main Aadi Vel festivals in Colombo. The first one starts at the Sri Manickavinayagar Temple in Bambalapitiya and ends at the Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelayutha Swamy Temple in Pettah. From the Kathiresan Kovil in Pettah to the New Kathiresan Kovil in Bambalapitiya, the other parades through the streets.
“ADI VEL FESTIVAL”
Aadi Vel is a vibrant celebration. Amidst a plethora of display is the chariot adorned with two exquisitely carved wooden horses, as well as vibrant garlands and flowers. It displays the idol of Lord Murugan along with his consorts, Valli and Theivaanai, and his vel (golden spear). The traditional drum and wind instrument Naathaswaram, along with the devotional sounds of Thavil, reverberate as the chariot parades through the streets. Fire crackers crackle in the air, signalling the beginning of the great warrior god’s festival.
“Haro hara” is chanted by followers as they smash coconuts in front of the chariot as a symbol of their fulfilment of vows. Numerous bare trays are adorned with garlands, fruits, incense sticks, burning camphor, and coconuts. Even fresh silk cloths are offered to the god by some devotees.
K.Suppiya
