Grand procession marks Keralites' Makar Sankranti

LUDHIANA: Grand celebrations took centre stage as thousands of Keralites celebrated "Makaravilakku" (Makar Sankranti) at Sree Ayyappa Temple in Jamalpur on Chandigarh Road on Monday. A troupe of 50 musicians, dancers and other performers had come here from Kerala for "abhishekam" and "shobha yatra".
Devotees came dressed in their traditional best to participate in a procession that passed through the city streets.Adding vibrancy to the procession were artists who performed "Chenda Melam'', one of the oldest art forms of Kerala. Men wearing golden-border "mundu'' beat drums, as young girls and women carried "thalappoli'', decorated "thalis''.
The temple had organized "Annadanam'' (community kitchen) where devotees were served traditional food like "sambhar, avail and thoran", among others. The temple president, V Hari, said, "The day has great importance for Keralites, as the devotees believe that a divine light shines on hills near Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Several devotees visit Sabarimala temple on the day. And others, perform the same ceremonies at Ayyappa temple."
The temple general secretary, R Shashi, said, "The day is very auspicious for all of us who are staying miles away from our homeland. Even at far-off places, we keep our traditions and culture alive."
About the day, he added, "Some devotees fast for 41 days and then visit Sabarimala temple. And those who cannot go there, visit Ayyappa temple." P Ramanan, a member of the temple trust, said, "It is good to see devotees from all communities taking part in the celebration."