Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090859530300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Jains’ rally attracts many devotees

Staff Reporter

Members of the Jain community taking out a procession in One Town area in Vijayawada on Sunday.

VIJAYAWADA: They sang and danced in ecstasy and savoured the bliss-filled state of mind. Every single minute seemed worthwhile, as worries were forgotten, hearts overflowed and souls touched. Led by members of Sri Sambhavanth Jain Swetamber Murtipujak Sangh, devotees from Jain community on Sunday participated in an impressive rally that marked the conclusion of ‘Paryushan Parva’. Starting from the Jain temple located in Marwari temple street, the procession passed through various thoroughfares before returning to the Marwari temple street.

A striking idol of Lord Parshvanath, placed on a bedecked vehicle, was the cynosure of all eyes. Members of the community, clad in traditional attire, carried the idol of Lord Sambhavanth on a palanquin along with Indhra Dwaja. Religious chants rent the air. Girls, who made a delightful spectacle in their multi-hued clothing, completed the ritual by making rangoli designs in patches of rice spread on wooden platforms. The traditional dandiya and garba dances formed part of the celebrations. The procession culminated in Swamivatsalya, a community lunch.