After three years, following the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of devotees, and members of the Rifle Range Mariamman Temple in Lautoka finally reunited in prayer to celebrate the temple’s five-day annual Maha Mariamman Thirunaal.

This ended yesterday.

The annual Maha Mariamman Thirunaal involves members of the temple performing the agni karagam which is the lifting of a fire pot containing neem leaves.

The occasion signifies purity, doing away with darkness, and welcoming light.

It was led by the head priest of the Sri Navashakti Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devastham in Suva, Sri Ashwin Pujari.

Temple’s assistant secretary, Shalendra Naidu said it was a joyous occasion to be part of, especially with families gathering after three years.

Mr Naidu said devotees from abroad and parts of Fiji also joined in the annual prayer.

“The last prayer we had was in 2019 and then COVID had hit so we had to pause our gatherings,” he said.

“Last year we only managed to gather in a small group because of the COVID restrictions.

“This year, I’m so happy to see that our temple is full again.”

He said during the five days, apart from the prayers the temple members also distributed food to anyone who would pass by or visit the temple. There are more than 200 Rifle Range Mariamman Temple members.