The annual Aadi Vel festival of the New Kathiresan Kovil passed in front of Temple Trees in the afternoon of 28 July. The Prime Minister participated in the religious ceremony by offering a pooja tray during its street procession on behalf of the Prime Minister’s office.Following a customary drum procession that escorted the Prime Minister from Temple Trees to the Vel chariot, she offered a Pooja tray to the sacred Silver chariot (Ther) carrying the Lord Murugan and received blessings.

Subsequently, the organizing committee of the Vel Procession expressed their appreciation for the Prime Minister by presenting her with a floral garland and a ceremonial shawl.The annual Aadi Vel Festival and Chariot Procession, jointly organized by the New Kathiresan Kovil of Chetty Street, Colombo, and the Nattukkottai Nagarathar New Kathiresan Kovil, Bambalapitiya, has been held continuously since 1874. This year’s event marked the 152nd Vel Procession. (