Bokaro: The Malayali community in the district marked Makar Sankranti with a vibrant display of faith and cultural tradition on Wednesday, as thousands of devotees converged on the Sree Ayyappa Temple in Sector 5 for the annual Makaravilakku celebrations. The event reflected the community’s sustained efforts to preserve and share Kerala’s spiritual and cultural heritage far from home.
Active role in fostering cultural harmony
Despite comprising a modest population of around 200 residents, the Malayali community has played an active role in fostering cultural harmony in the steel city. The celebrations drew a wide cross-section of society, including Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, principals and teachers from various schools, officials of the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), along with businessmen, doctors and traders, highlighting the festival’s broad appeal beyond the community.
Echoed with Vedic chants
The rituals began with a devotional procession in Sector 5 area and traditional puja conducted by temple priests. The Ayyappa temple echoed with Vedic chants as devotees participated in prayers with deep reverence. The observances closely followed practices associated with Makaravilakku celebrations in Kerala, lending authenticity to the occasion.
Strengthen community bonds
Kerala’s culinary traditions formed an integral part of the festivities. Devotees were served traditional prasad, and a grand community feast followed the prayers. According to Shashi Karat, Vice Chairman of the Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham, “more than 5,000 people have prasad in the form of a meal, which includes rice, sambhar, papadam, payasam and pickles. He noted that the collective dining experience strengthened community bonds and enhanced the spirit of togetherness.”
Encouraging to see Kerala’s traditions
Dr Suresh Kumar, a member of the Sangham, said “it was encouraging to see Kerala’s traditions being embraced and appreciated locally.” Several attendees, including BSL employee Sanjay Kumar, lauded the meticulous planning and scale of the event.
Celebrations closely mirrored those…
Sree Ayyappa Public School Principal P. Shailja Jaykumar, who participated as host with her school staff, said “the celebrations closely mirrored those in Kerala and were warmly received by the local community.”
“The Ayyappa procession is a beautiful example of unity in diversity within our cultural heritage, proving that faith does not divide society but weaves it together into a single bond.”
DC Bokaro Ajay Nath Jha
