Rons Bantwal

Kasargod, Oct 23: The annual Sharannavaratri festivities at the Sri Nityananda Yogashrama in Kondevoor, Uppala, concluded with a series of religious and cultural programmes held under the spiritual guidance of seer Sri Yogananda Saraswati Swamiji.

The nine-day festival, celebrated with immense devotion, featured daily poojas and special adornments for the Goddess. Key rituals included the Saraswati Homa, performed for the academic success of students, along with the Sharada Pratishte and Vahana Pooja.

On Vijayadashami, a special 'Siyalabhisheka' was offered to Goddess Gayatri, followed by the 'Tene Pooja'. Sri Yogananda Saraswati Swamiji also initiated young children into the world of letters through the 'Aksharabhyasa' ceremony. The immersion of the Goddess Sharada idol (Visarjane) was held on Mahanavami, a programme that witnessed the participation of Kasargod Lok Sabha MP Rajmohan Unnithan.

The grand festival culminated auspiciously on Vijayadashami with the traditional distribution of Banni leaves amidst the joyous cheers of devotees. Addressing the gathering, Sri Yogananda Saraswati Swamiji expressed his hope that the festival would deeply inspire religious devotion, peace, harmony, and the preservation of culture in society.

The celebrations also featured vibrant cultural events. The Nadaninada Music Training Centre of Kondevoor presented a musical tribute, while students of the Savijeevanam Dance Art Trust, Mangaluru, in association with the department of Kannada and culture, Bengaluru, delivered a captivating dance performance set to devotional music.