Hindus in fear after death at Manzanilla

The first death occurred last year when a coconut fell on an elderly woman at Manzanilla, and the second occurred on Sunday when 65-year-old Margaret Dhanook was killed when a coconut tree split in half and fell on a tent while special prayers were being recited.

Yesterday, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha called on all Hindus to say a special prayer for Dhanook’s soul, and for the speedy recovery of Pundit Seeram Maharaj and others who sustained injuries in the accident.

Pundit Maharaj and nine others who also sustained injuries from the tree were warded at the Port-of-Spain and Sangre Grande Hospitals yesterday.

Eyewitness to the accident, Ramjit Rampersad, told Newsday that members of the Shiv Kailash Mandir of Caparo made the annual trip to Manzanilla in observance of Kartic. He added that a tent was pitched to accommodate the pooja and all was well, until a strong wind began at about 12.15 pm, while devotees were performing the last part of the Hindu ritual.

Rampersad said there was a loud noise and then a coconut tree split in half and crashed into the tent.

Dhanook, who was sheltering under the tent, sustained head injuries, while Pundit Maharaj and others were also injured.

Dhanook was taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital, where she later succumbed to the injuries.

Maharaj was in a serious condition at Ward 41 of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

Relatives of the dead woman were in a state of shock over the death, saying they were in the process of making arrangements for the funeral.

The eyewitness said the accident happened so fast that he is still in a state of shock

He is of the view that there are strange occurrences with the weather pattern in the country.

Yesterday, the Maha Sabha issued a release stating that all Hindu schools will be closed today in observance of Kartic.

Kartic celebrations mark the culmination of two months of devotion, penance and sacrifice. It falls on the full moon, which is the last day of the month.

"As we perform pooja, all devotees are invited to say a special prayer for the soul of the departed and hope for the speedy recovery of all devotees in this freak accident," a release from the Maha Sabha stated.