Telugu Diaspora In Gulf Celebrates Karthika Masam
- Over 3,000 Telugu devotees gather in Muscat for Karthika Masam rituals
- Sahasra Lingarchana and Vana Bhojanam mark faith and unity among expatriates
The Telugu diaspora across the Gulf region celebrated Karthika Masam, one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, with deep devotion and traditional fervour. The observances included fasting, community prayers, and large cultural gatherings known as Vana Bhojanalu, which have now become a key part of Telugu expatriate life in Middle Eastern cities.
The largest of these celebrations took place in Muscat, Oman, where more than 3,000 devotees gathered in Barka on the city’s outskirts. The event featured the grand performance of Sahasra Lingarchana, with devotees chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. The ceremony was led by Vijaykumar, a long-time NRI and noted priest, assisted by a team of other priests who conducted Rudra Homam and other sacred rituals throughout the day.
Organiser Ramdas Chandaka explained that Sahasra Lingarchana involves the worship of over a thousand Shiva lingams, typically 1,116, arranged in the shape of Mount Kailash to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. He added that the clay used to create the lingams was collected from Nizwa, Oman, giving the ritual a local yet spiritual touch. The event included chanting of Vedic hymns, abhishekam (sacred bathing of lingams), and offerings of flowers and fruits.
Indian Ambassador G V Srinivas attended the event and expressed gratitude to Omani authorities for granting permission to host such a large gathering. “The congregation in Oman is similar to Mahankali Bonalu in Secunderabad,” observed S. Saidaih, ACP of Mahankali Division, who also participated in the celebrations.
The event not only highlighted the strong religious and cultural ties of the Telugu community abroad but also symbolised their enduring efforts to preserve heritage and spirituality while living far from home. The celebrations reaffirmed the Telugu diaspora’s faith, community cohesion, and respect for local traditions.
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