Kartik comes to an end at Quinam
SOME 300 Hindu devotees representing more than 30 Hindu temples in South Trinidad yesterday journeyed to Quinam Beach in the deep South amid heavy rains yesterday. While lightning and thunder threatened to put a damper on the celebrations, many braved the inclement weather to offer prayers for the woman who died and the pundit injured in Manzanilla during Kartik rituals there. Yesterday marked the end of the Hindu water festival of Kartik Sanaan. President General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMA), Thirbhawan Seegobin, said the annual festival is a time for Hindus to cleanse their bodies and give thanks to Mother Ganga. On Sunday, 65-year-old Margaret Dhansook of Chase Village, Chaguanas, was killed when a coconut tree crashed down on the tent under which Dhansook and other devotees were performing rituals. Six others, including Pundit Seeram Maharaj, were injured. The 30 pundits conducted prayers at Quinam, and offered special prayers for Dhansook and for the pundit’s speedy recovery. From as early as 6 am, maxi-taxis began pulling up at the seaside as devotees arrived early to begin the 12-hour pooja. The devotees performed prayers under a tent before gathering offerings of flowers, fruits and parasad. They then took them to the shore and submerged the offerings in the water.
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"Kartik comes to an end at Quinam"