Today is Karthigai Deepam !!!

Today is Karthigai deepam for us and for my Renga ! It is a grand occassion in Srirangam.

We call it as Sokka Panai.. It is said that the fire is made out of dry palm leaves so that He would feel warm..

My Renga would be standing near the Chakkarathalvar sannithi and the sokka panai would be near Karthigai gopura vasal. Usually it is done at 8 pm. Dry palm leaves would be gathered to a height of around 25 foot and the family (Muraikarar) who are supposed to lit the fire would go to the top and light the fire (with the help of a ladder).

It would take 2-3 minutes and then we can see the huge ball of fire... Devotees would be standing at a safer distance and it is really beautiful to watch Renga and Sokkapanai.. Ninacha sirippa than irukku, avarukku kuluram, athan sokkapanai panni, we are making him warm :) He is the almighty.. might seem kiddish, but then He is never a God to us.. He is our king, He is one amongst us, He is within us, so we treat Him like that.. Love you Renga :)

It would take around 15 minutes to burn completely and then we would run to gather that charcoal.. Considered to be auspicious and we keep it in Pooja room.. We also use it as Vibuthi, to frighten fear :)

This year i missed all fun.. I am in Chennai and my Renga is enjoying in Srirangam.. I know that He too would be missing me.. Would come to you soon Renga.. Forever.. Just some more time.. Loving you so much !!!