Eellu Amavasya Observed with Great Devotion in Temple District
Pics By Prasanna Kodavoor
Udupi: The annual Ellu Amavasya was celebrated in Udupi district with great pomp and gaiety on Monday, December 18.
Thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Arabian Sea near Malpe. The entire shore area near the fisheries harbour had a festive look with a huge crowd arriving since early morning eager to have a dip in the sea. They offered flowers and coins to the sea before taking the holy dip, later they offered the Ellu Tarpana. The Police had made special security arrangements as a precautionary measure.
As per the Hindu calendar, it is considered to be an auspicious occasion to have a dip in the sea. In Karnataka, this day is known as Eellu Amavasya. People flock to the nearest sea or river to take the holy dip, later they offer “tarpanas”.
To observe this auspicious day of Eellu Amavasya, thousands of devotees converged at Malpe, Thottam and Padubidri beaches as a mark of respect to Mother Earth and to offer ‘Puja’ (prayers) to their forefathers. As part of the rituals, a large number of devotees took the sacred dip in the sea and offered ‘Thilanjali’ to their ancestors.