Overseas Devotee Will Miss Annual Event In Nadi

It is likely that the overseas devotees will not be part of the annual Vaarshika Thaipoosam Thirunaal Festival in Nadi this month.

The 10-day event for the Hindu devotees mainly South Indian is scheduled for January 21 to January 31 at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Thiru Kovil (temple).

Temple manager Sandhya Krishna said the temple was ready to host the annual event. This year marks the 94th edition of the festival.

She said with border closure, there were high chances that the overseas devotees would not make it this year.

“We have this 10-day festival every year and we are gearing up for a very high number of local devotees this year again,” she said.

“For the first time, devotees from overseas will not be able to make it due to the current pandemic. Despite the setback, the temple will run normally, and we expect guests day-in and day-out.”

Ms Krishna said the festival was to celebrate victory of good over evil. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Murugan to ensure that the year 2021 gives them prosperity, good health, peace, and protection from evil.

A devotee, Jay Shon, 26, of Yako said he was looking forward to the festival.

“I remember as a child, I would accompany my late dad. Bhakti is important for one’s spiritual well-being,” he said.

“This year will be the first time I will miss my families who are away overseas. They won’t be able to attend which is beyond our control.”

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