The annual pooja, which started on January 21, ended yesterday at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi. The 10-day pooja celebrated the 90th Vaarshika Thaipoosam Thirunaal Festival.

And among the devotees was San-Francisco, USA couple Neganadhan and Pushpa Lata Reddy who hardly missed the occasion.

“My wife was fasting for 21 days especially for the cowry pooja. We are very proud to be associated with this temple, although we’re in America, our hearts still remain here,” Mr Reddy said.

He said he had been associated with the church since it was built more than two decades ago.

“This temple was built in 1994 and I was a treasurer then but had to transfer all the assets to the committee because of family commitments,” he said.

Head priest Sri Anand Gurukkal from India said more than 5000 devotees were present at the temple on Saturday alone which was the climax of the event.

“This is one of the most important prayer occasions held annually,” he said.

“We have devotees coming from every part of the country to offer their prayers. Each district will have their day of preparation and make food for those who come for prayers.”

Temple chairman Gandhi Mestry said it was good to see a great event unfold for the devotees.

“Also visitors and non-devotees were allowed to visit and share the food available for them at the temple,” Mr Mestry said.

“We had visitors from Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand, especially those who have roots in Fiji and not forgetting the tourists.”

He said about $40, 000 was used by the temple to cater for the people’s needs when they attended the temple.