SFHQ-East Joins ‘Thaipongal’ Celebrations in Batticaloa

Security Force Headquarters – East (SFHQ-E) and the 231 Brigade Headquarters jointly organized a ‘Thaipongal’ (festival of harvest) ceremony in a Special religious programme at Mamangam Pillayar Kovil in Batticaloa on Sunday (14).

Commander, Security Forces – East (SF-E), Major General Santhusitha Pananwala took the initiative in this regard as a gesture of goodwill and reconciliation with a view to enhance cross cultural understanding and religious harmony in the area. The troops conducted a ‘Dansela’ (free eatery) for the devotees at the Kovil premises.

Conducting a special Pooja and the traditional Hindu religious observances, Swami Saundar Nayagam invoked blessings for all those who attended the function.

As a part of the ‘Thaipongal’ celebration, the 2018 - National Youth ‘Thaipongal’ festival organized by the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs in collaboration with the National Youth Service Council and Sri Lanka Army also held on 17 January 2018 at Koththukulam Sri Muththumari Amman Kovil Batticoloa.

Mamangam Easwara Temple is one of the oldest temples that is believed to be belonging to the periods of 2nd to 3rd Century AD. It is believed to be built at the exact spot where "Raman" performed his prayers to Lord Siva.