Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email It was a sight to behold as Telegu devotees led a procession carrying a palanquin with the statue of Lord Venkatachalapathi around the Batu Caves Venkata-chalapathi temple three times.
The procession was held similarly in 350 temples around the country to commemorate the Telegu New Year Ugadi that fell on March 16.
The Telugu community hails from Andhra Pradesh, a state in South India and Ugadi is one of their most important festivals.It’s believed that one of the important Hindu deities, Lord Brahma started creation on this day.
“According to Hindu mythology, the sixty Telegu Namasa-mvastharas are repeated in a 60-year cycle and this year will be the Sri Vikruthi Naama,” Telegu Association of Malaysia vice president S. Venkatasan said.
On this day, the Telegu community starts their day at the break of dawn.
After their bath, they dress in new clothes and decorate their homes with mango leaves. This is followed by prayers and later the younger members of the family will seek their elders’ blessings.
“They will then partake the Ugadi Pachadi on an empty stomach. This is to ensure their lives are balanced throughout the year,” he added.Bright and peppy: The Chiruthalu dancers performing in front of the procession.
The dish has five different tastes namely sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy reflecting the different emotional experiences that human beings have to go through.
Lunch comprises vegetarian dishes including Garelu (vadai), Burelu (sweet dish made from rice flour stuffed with coconut, sugar, and dried fruits), Jawa (sweet rice), Pulihora (yellow rice) and Payasam (sweet dessert).
In the evening, it is a practice to visit the nearby temples and perform special prayers along with the procession.
During the prayers it is considered auspicious to chant the Panchanga Sravanam.
More than 1000 members were seen at the temple in Batu Caves and the Sri Ramar Alayam in Selayang.
The deities used for the procession at the various temples were decked with beautiful accessories and flower garlands.
The devotees spent hours in prayers and were later entertained by the Chiruthalu (stick dance or kollatam).
“We also served vegetarian food to the devotees at the temple,” said Venkatasan.
from The Star: Telegu community celebrate New Year with prayers and celebration
