Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI) week-long prayer festival will be held from May 26 to June 5 at the Shrivenkayeshwara Devasthanam temple in Labasa.

The event, also known the Annual Sangam Pooja Mela, is observed by Hindu devotees in the North once in a year and is held for 10 days.

The most important part of this event is the annual pooja (prayer) called Brahmotsavam, which is only conducted at the temple.

This temple is a landmark in the cultural advancement of the Hindus of Labasa.

It is the highlight of South Indian cultural and devotional activity.

Hundreds of Hindu devotees from Vanua Levu arrive at the temple early in the morning and evening to attend the prayer gatherings.

TISI Sangam Labasa branch president, Salend Chetty, said the significance of Brahmotsavam was that Hindus believed that Lord Brahma conducted the festival in honour of Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of the temple.

“The Brahmotsavam that we celebrate in Labasa is a miniature form of the elaborate and grand Brahmotsavam that is also held annually at the Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple in Andra Pradesh, South India,” Mr Chetty said.

“The major highlight of the Brahmotsavam is the procession (yaatra) of the presiding deity in an elaborately-decorated chariot through the designated route of the Labasa town and back to the temple which will be on the June 4 (Saturday from 1pm to 3.30pm).

On Friday night there will be special items to be perform by Labasa Sangam College students.

Later on Saturday night Gotty and Party from Nadi will perform a very special South Indian items and Kirtaans.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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