Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Kovilpatti Branch organised the 37th Annual 1008 Thiruvilakku Puja (Deepa Puja) on Sunday, 20th April 2025 at Sri Poovana Nathar with Sri Shenbagavalli Amman Temple, Kovilpatti with prayers for the well-being of all humanity and for nature’s bounty through abundant rainfall.
The event began with the auspicious lighting of lamps by Smt. Gowri Rajasekar, Nagar Sah Sanchalak Thoothukudi along with senior Kendra sisters and well-wishers Smt. Mangala Sundari, Smt. Ganeshwari, Retired Teacher Smt. Jayalakshmi, and Smt. Muthu Selvi, marking the ceremonial start of the Puja.
This was followed by blessings and inspiring messages from Sri N. Krishnamurthy Ji, senior Jeevan-vrati Karyakarta and editor of Viveka Vani magazine, and Sri Natarajan Swamigal, the founder of the Kovilpatti Thiruvannamalai Annadhanam Trust.
Students from the Chettikurichi Sanskar Varga enacted a thoughtful skit conveying the messages “The Family is a Temple” and “Hindus, Wake-up,” which were received with deep appreciation by the gathering.
Shri. Ayyappan Anna, Secretary (Prakalpa Sangatak) of VKRDP and Pranta Sah Sangatak - Tamilnadu Prant and Smt. Gowri Rajasekar, Nagar Sah Sanchalak Thoothukudi, addressed the participants on the significance of the Amudha Kudumbam (Amrut Parivar) concept and conveyed their best wishes.
The Thiruvilakku Puja was meticulously coordinaed by karyakartas Smt. Jayalakshmi and Smt. Sangeetha, ensuring smooth execution.
Despite continuous rainfall—considered a divine blessing—the event unfolded gracefully with over 1,225 women from 40 villages lighting lamps and offering collective prayers for national welfare, cultural resurgence, and world peace.
More than 20 local Kendra volunteers, well-wishers, teachers from the Kendra Balwadi, and selfless volunteers participated actively in the arrangements and proceedings.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Sri Paramaguru Anna, Joint Secretary of the Vivekananda Kendra Rural Development Programme and Coordinator of the Kovilpatti Branch.
