animal pilgrimage

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The annual festival of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam began with hoisting of the "Nanthi" flag on March 23 rd 2007. Special poojas were held during the festival time. The temple was decorated with fresh flowers, mango leaves, "Thoranam" (young coconut leaves were plaited together by fingers) and "Kolam".

Devotees gathered at the temple in the morning and evening to participate in the special poojas and procession with the idols.

The animal pilgrimage (Miruga Yaththirai) day was held on March 30th 2007 , tenth day of the annual festival at dusk. It's a rare event that takes place only in a few temples during the annual festival.

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The temple is decorated for the festival

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"Pancharaathi" is offered by the chief priest Bala Kurukkal at the main entrance of the temple before leaving for animal pilgrimage

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Vegetables such as brinjals, ladies fingers, long beans, bitter gourd, snake gourd are tied under a white cloth at the venue where the animal pilgrimage takes place on the outer route of the temple

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The chief priest of the temple Bala Kurukkal performs pooja at the venue

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Camphor is offered by the chief priest

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Devotees witnessing the animal pilgrimage

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The idol is taken three times around the venue by male devotees on their shoulders

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Devotees fast during the festival time

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The idol is dressed in red on animal pilgrimage day

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Animal pilgrimage is happening while the chief priest cuts the vegetables

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Animal pilgrimage happens on the East outer route of the temple

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Pumpkin is being cut and applied with Kumkumam

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Red fabric is being tied at the end of the animal pilgrimage

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A day is dedicated to animal worship during the festival

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Fresh flower garlands decorate the idol

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"We are privileged to carry the God, and we are blessed" say the male devotees

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Animal pilgrimage happens annually

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Heavy horse is carried by men

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A colourful design called "Kolam" is made by saffron flour and wheat flour at the main entrance of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade, Colombo 13 to welcome the devotees. This arrow and bow colourful "Kolam" was specially created by Pratheepan Sharma of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple for animal pilgrimage day.

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At the end of the pilgrimage