Nallur festival the unifying force for conflicting minds
By J.Yogaraj
People change from time to time. There can be many reasons and factors for a change of mind. When someone realizes that he is making a mistake, he may change his mind. Some people wait until others point out their mistake. People make mistakes. It is human nature. But we must make sure that, people should not be addicted to mistakes. If you make a mistake the first time, you will be pardoned. But not the second time. If you keep on committing the same mistake, then it cannot be termed as a mistake but a crime. You may have to pay a penalty or take punishment.
Similarly, before the war, Tamil people in the country and the Tamil Diaspora had a different mindset. But, after the end of hostilities in 2009, Tamils in this country have realized the truth. Now they are slowly getting attached to the national parties and have started showing their patriotism.
It is not only individuals, countries have also changed their perceptions. The present Indian BJP Government has a clear policy about Tamil issues, which is well appreciated. The Central Government of India maintains a better relationship with the Sri Lankan Government. But, it is unfortunate that some of the Tamil Nadu politicians still pursue LTTE supportive policies. Tamil Nadu politicians talk about Sri Lankan Tamils, but when it comes to fishermen's problem they take the Tamil Nadu side, which is ridiculous.
When the Indian Government proscribed the LTTE, listing it as a terrorist organization, some LTTE supportive elements in Tamil Nadu and in Europe wanted the ban lifted. But, one question remains unanswered. They argue that if an organization does not exist, why should it be banned? As a result, another question arise, who are the people asking for the lifting of this ban? Don't you think these elements are LTTE supporters? Doesn't that indicate that there is an emerging force or existence of LTTE elements? Answer this? A moderate Tamil will find it difficult to answer this, but Tamils hate these activities and perceptions. Ordinary Tamils in Sri Lanka do not want to see the LTTE again. They suffered a lot under the LTTE's iron grip. They do not want to face that situation again.
Now, the Tamil Diaspora is also divided into three. Fifty per cent of the people have a balanced mind. But they are keeping silent. No one from this group is interested in making his or her opinion public. Then, around 30%, still have an interest in supporting the LTTE. They have some good speakers. They always try to speak out and make statements in public. Another 20% have changed a lot and started showing their gratitude to their motherland – Sri Lanka. This is the present situation of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Whether you fall into 50%, 30% or 20% of the Diaspora, it does not matter. The members of the Tamil Diaspora always have a practice of visiting Sri Lanka at least thrice a year. This clearly shows, even the controversial members of Diaspora have started to realize that there is real peace in the country. Otherwise, they will not invest large sums of money in the Northern Province. They come here to meet their relatives, to buy land and houses and even to get married. But, they will not forget one important event. That is the Nallur Kovil festival.
This is an annual event and it is the most colorful Hindu religious festival in the country. Even foreigners visit this temple. It is also popular among the non-Hindus as well. Sinhala Buddhist people also have a high respect to this temple.
The Nallur festival falls in the month of August every year.
Mindset of Tamil Diaspora has changed much since 2009
* Esala Perahera is the grand festival with elegant costumes held in July or August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and colourfully decorated elephants. Final Randoli Perahera is scheduled to be held on 10th August this year.
By J.Yogaraj
People change from time to time. There can be many reasons and factors for a change of mind. When someone realizes that he is making a mistake, he may change his mind. Some people wait until others point out their mistake. People make mistakes. It is human nature. But we must make sure that, people should not be addicted to mistakes. If you make a mistake the first time, you will be pardoned. But not the second time. If you keep on committing the same mistake, then it cannot be termed as a mistake but a crime. You may have to pay a penalty or take punishment.
Similarly, before the war, Tamil people in the country and the Tamil Diaspora had a different mindset. But, after the end of hostilities in 2009, Tamils in this country have realized the truth. Now they are slowly getting attached to the national parties and have started showing their patriotism.
It is not only individuals, countries have also changed their perceptions. The present Indian BJP Government has a clear policy about Tamil issues, which is well appreciated. The Central Government of India maintains a better relationship with the Sri Lankan Government. But, it is unfortunate that some of the Tamil Nadu politicians still pursue LTTE supportive policies. Tamil Nadu politicians talk about Sri Lankan Tamils, but when it comes to fishermen's problem they take the Tamil Nadu side, which is ridiculous.
When the Indian Government proscribed the LTTE, listing it as a terrorist organization, some LTTE supportive elements in Tamil Nadu and in Europe wanted the ban lifted. But, one question remains unanswered. They argue that if an organization does not exist, why should it be banned? As a result, another question arise, who are the people asking for the lifting of this ban? Don't you think these elements are LTTE supporters? Doesn't that indicate that there is an emerging force or existence of LTTE elements? Answer this? A moderate Tamil will find it difficult to answer this, but Tamils hate these activities and perceptions. Ordinary Tamils in Sri Lanka do not want to see the LTTE again. They suffered a lot under the LTTE's iron grip. They do not want to face that situation again.
Now, the Tamil Diaspora is also divided into three. Fifty per cent of the people have a balanced mind. But they are keeping silent. No one from this group is interested in making his or her opinion public. Then, around 30%, still have an interest in supporting the LTTE. They have some good speakers. They always try to speak out and make statements in public. Another 20% have changed a lot and started showing their gratitude to their motherland – Sri Lanka. This is the present situation of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Whether you fall into 50%, 30% or 20% of the Diaspora, it does not matter. The members of the Tamil Diaspora always have a practice of visiting Sri Lanka at least thrice a year. This clearly shows, even the controversial members of Diaspora have started to realize that there is real peace in the country. Otherwise, they will not invest large sums of money in the Northern Province. They come here to meet their relatives, to buy land and houses and even to get married. But, they will not forget one important event. That is the Nallur Kovil festival.
This is an annual event and it is the most colorful Hindu religious festival in the country. Even foreigners visit this temple. It is also popular among the non-Hindus as well. Sinhala Buddhist people also have a high respect to this temple.
The Nallur festival falls in the month of August every year.
Mindset of Tamil Diaspora has changed much since 2009
* Esala Perahera is the grand festival with elegant costumes held in July or August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and colourfully decorated elephants. Final Randoli Perahera is scheduled to be held on 10th August this year.