Kochi, 20 January(HS): Maha Magham festival (Kerala’s Kumbh Mela) got going on the banks of River Nila on Monday with Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar inaugurating the 18-days-long event in the presence of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam of Juna Akhada and hundreds of Pandits who had led the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The opening day itself saw thousands of devotees from the South Indian States thronging the banks of River Nila and worshipping at the Nava Mukunda Temple, a pilgrimage centre where the presiding deity is Lord Mahavishnu.

The Maha Magham is the revival of Centuries old Maamankam festival held under the auspices of Samoothiri rulers of Malabar province. The event became defunct following the war unleashed on the Nava Mukunda Temple by Tippu Sultan.

Though the Maamankam event was a festival in which people from all religions took part symbolizing the oneness of humanity, modern day politicians went all out to stop the festival alleging it to be an event intended to consolidate the Hindus across the State.

The ancient Indian tradition and system of knowledge which worshipped nature were opposed tooth and nail by the “progressive and secular leaders of the Congress” to which the party laities sung Amen.

The Nila Aaarathi was performed as the hundreds of pundits rendered the hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu, Lord Bramha and Lord Shiva.

The dusk was lighted up by thousands of Diyas held by people crowded on the banks of Nila.

Mahamandaleshawar Anandavanam Swamy led the Nila Aarthi as the Pundits sang hymns composed by Adi Shankaracharya.

The first evening of the Nila Aarathi that went up to 10 pm Monday night turned out to a most memorable event in Kerala’s spiritual life that dres devotees from all over south India, “It will be remembered by the spiritual world of Kerala as the first renaissance event that gave a pleasant jolt to the social life of the State,” Maha Mandaleshawar told HS after a day long restless schedule of Maaha Magham.

He also pointed out the stumbling blocks “erected by the Sarkari babus and local administration officials” who literally tried to subvert the event.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti