In a spectacle reminiscent of Ayodhya, the entire state of Kerala was immersed in spiritual celebrations on the occasion of Pran Pratishta. The atmosphere was charged with Rama Jap, and the resonance of Rama Bhakti echoed through temple premises and spiritual centres. Notably, the day saw a surge in religious activities, with people, especially women, engrossed in reading Nayaneeyam and Ramayanam.
Hindu organisations actively participated in the festivities, distributing sweets and organising anna danam, a free feast for the community. To ensure widespread participation, LED screens were strategically installed in prominent centres across the state, broadcasting the rituals from Ayodhya. The grand event captivated hundreds of thousands of viewers, who tuned in to witness the sacred proceedings.
As dusk fell, households across Kerala lit lamps, reminiscent of the Deepavali tradition. The iconic Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple witnessed an enchanting deeparchana, inaugurated by Avittam Tirunal Aditya Varma, a member of the Tiruvitamcoor royal family. The deeparchana added to the spiritual fervour of the celebrations, creating a sense of unity and devotion among the participants.
In a momentous celebration, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state general secretary, P Sudheer, inaugurated the lighting of the lamp at the party’s head office in Tiruvananthapuram, marking the onset of the Pran Pratishta festivities in Kerala.
Adding to the fervour, G Sukumaran Nair, the general secretary of the Nair Service Society (NSS), lit the lamp at the organisation’s head office in Changanasserry, Kottayam district. During the event, Sukumaran Nair emphasised the inclusive nature of the celebration, asserting that every believer had the right to participate in the programme.
Vellappalli Natesan, general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), along with Smt. Preeti Natesan, illuminated lamps before the picture of Sree Rama and performed prayers, highlighting the broad participation of Hindu Ezhava community members.
The celebrations also paid homage to the Karsevaks of 1990 and 1992, felicitating them in numerous programmes. The Karsevaks shared nostalgic memories and experiences that resonated with the young generation, leaving a profound impact.
Palavakkulam Mahadeva Temple in Kochi became a focal point as hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered to engage in bhajan, jap, and witnessed the live telecast of the Pran Pratishta rituals. Simultaneously, countless individuals across the state tuned in to the live telecast from their homes, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm.
Reports indicated that over 10,000 programmes were organised in Kerala, transcending political and religious affiliations. The festive spirit, akin to grand occasions like Onam or Vishu, transcended beyond Bharat’s borders, with reports of celebrations reaching various parts of the world.
The unity in diversity showcased during the Pran Pratishta celebrations exemplified Kerala’s rich cultural and religious tapestry, creating an atmosphere of joy and spiritual harmony.
