Despite lockdown, temples to hold pooja sans devotees this Tamil NY

Though everyone will make do with indoor , a few temples are conducting special poojas behind closed doors with no devotees present.

Poila Boishakh ( Bengali new year), Bishuva Sankranti (Odisha), Baisakhi ( North and Central India), Rongali Bihu (Assam) will also be celebrated on April 14.

Though the TN new year day is not as popular as Deepavali or Pongal, people still begin the day with a visit to their favourite temple followed by a sumptuous meal.

“We don’t celebrate New Year in as grand a manner but wear new clothes, wake up early and visit temples. This year we are not even buying flowers as there is no supply in the locality and will remain indoors,” said Vishnu Priya M, a resident of Pallavaram.

“For Vishu, we purchase clothes, vegetables, fruits and flowers but this year due to limited stocks, we are planning lowkey celebrations. However, we are happy to be with our family,” said Shreeja S, a resident of Nungambakkam. Although temples are closed, a few shrines will perform special poojas inside the temple. “There will be Vishu kani in the temple and special pooja will be performed. But the public is not allowed inside,” said Akhil V, Administrative Assistant, Sree Ayappan Guruvayurappan Temple, Mahalingapuram.

Flower vendors at Koyambedu market are having good sale of flowers for New Year. “Compared to last three weeks, we are having a good sale. Prices also increased on Monday,” said S Mookandi, Secretary of Koyambedu Flower Merchants’ Association.