Nallur festival held with mammoth gathering of devotees

By Dhaneshi YATAWARA reporting from Jaffna

A massive number of devotees have congregated at the annual Jaffna Nallur Kandaswami Kovil festival this weekend. Yesterday, more than 150,000 people had gathered at Theertham' festival. According to available statistics 200,000 devotees had participated at the Ratham' parade held on Friday.

For Hindus Nallur Kovil is the temple of God Kandaswami and the annual festival is held with high level of devotion, for 25 days. poojas' at the fail of the season, ceremonies are held on a grand scale.

The Sri Lanka Army in Jaffna provides the necessary facilities for the devotees, under instructions of the Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. G. A. Chandrasiri, in addition to their duties.

Meanwhile the Security Forces are also planning to distribute 10,000 lotus flowers and meal packets among devotees, expected today, the final day of the annual Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil festival in Jaffna.