Thiruvanthapuram: It is the first day of Chingam (Malayalam month) today; Malayalees welcome New Year with new hope and determination. After the month of Karkkidakam, Chingam is the harvest season. There is freshness in the air and sunshine in life. People wear traditional attire for welcoming the New Year. Women in set saree or ‘set mundu’ and men in ‘mundu’ and shirt. People go to temples to begin the New Year with auspiciousness.
Padamanabha Swamy Temple opened at 4 am today. Devotee’s flocked in large numbers to have ‘darshan’ of their favourite Lord. Paddy seeds from Putharikkandam were offered to Lord Padmanabhaswamy and this was later given as ‘prasadam’ to people. In Attukal Devi temple and in Ganapathy temple devotees came in large numbers. People prayed with faith for the new beginnings. In Sabarimala, devotees came to have ‘darshan’ of Lord Ayyappa. This time temple was little less crowded than in previous years. Due to covid pandemic in the state, people go to temples following covid protocols.
Chingam is a time when there will be gatherings at home, time for new beginnings and celebrate Onam festivities in its true spirit for all Keralites.
Comments