- Title: Hindu devotees in India decorate temple with over 2,500 idols
- Date: 11th October 2021
- Summary: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA (OCTOBER 10, 2021) (ANI - NO USE INDIA) EXTERIOR OF GANDHARI AMMAN KOVIL TEMPLE SIGNBOARD VARIOUS OF DEVOTEES CHANTING RELIGIOUS HYMNS VARIOUS OF IDOLS OF HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES DEVOTEES CHANTING RELIGIOUS HYMNS VARIOUS OF IDOLS OF HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES (SOUNDBITE) (Malayalam) TRUST SECRETARY, GANDHARI AMMAN KOVIL TEMPLE, R.P. NAIR, SAYING: "Every year, idols of gods and goddesses are decked up at pandals (temporary structures housing idols) as part of the 'Navratri' (Hindu Goddess Durga) celebrations. Devotees read holy books and sing devotional songs. What makes this year special is that more than 2,500 idols of gods and goddess are kept at the pandal." IDOLS OF HINDU GODDESSES DEVOTEES OFFERING PRAYERS IDOLS OF HINDU GODDESSES DEVOTEES OFFERING PRAYERS DEVOTEES CHANTING RELIGIOUS HYMNS IDOLS OF HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES DEVOTEE RECORDING ON CAMERA DEVOTEES CHANTING RELIGIOUS HYMNS
- Embargoed: 25th October 2021 16:06
- Keywords: Gandhari Amman Kovil Temple India Kerala Navratri Thiruvananthapuram idols religion
- Location: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA
- City: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA
- Country: India
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Religion/Belief,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA001EYPS1N3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Devotees in India's southern Kerala state's Thiruvananthapuram city placed over 2,500 dolls and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses at a pandal, a temporary structure for idols, to celebrate the nine-day festivities of 'Navratri' or the nine-night festival.
The arrangement of dolls and idols is known as 'Bommai Kolu' and it is the main attraction of the 'Navratri' festival in Kerala. Every year, devotees in large numbers throng pandals to worship and seek the blessings of the lords.
However, with the pandemic this year, the number of visitors dwindled as the state is still reporting over 10,000 cases daily.
Only a handful of devotees were seen reading and singing devotionals songs, and seeking blessings in front of the idols at the city's Gandhari Amman Kovil Temple on Sunday (October 10).
Navratri' is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various incarnations, 'Durga Puja' is celebrated in eastern parts of India for the last five days of 'Navratri'.
Devotees observe fast during these nine days and temporary festive instalments known as 'pandals' are set up, where they pray and participate in the festivities.
'Navratri' culminates on the tenth day, which is celebrated as 'Dussehra'. - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None