Kumbam festival held in Trinco town

[TamilNet, Thursday, 13 October 2005, 00:06 GMT]
The annual Kumbam festival at the conclusion of the Navarathiri was held in Trincomalee town Wednesday evening till midnight. Kumbam festival, unique to Trincomalee, was first introduced in Trincomalee by Indian (Punjabi) troops brought by the British to construct the naval dockyard after they captured Sri Lanka (then Ceylon).

Because of the heavy presence of soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Sri Lanka Navy and police personnel in the east port city few devotees participated in Kumbam processions, local residents said.

Kumbams from various Hindu temples were taken in procession from 4 p.m.

These Kumbam processions were seen passing close to the bus stand where the controversial Buddha statue stands and guarded by government troops surrounding the site.

Kumbam, made up of silver pot decorated with margosa leaves and other materials is taken on head by devotees who fast for nine days praying the Goddesses Thurga, Lakshimi and Saraswathie, each for three days in the nine day-Navarathiri celebrations of Hindus. Goddess Thurga represents Courage, Goddess Lakshimi Wealth, and Goddess Saraswathie-Education.



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