Telugu diaspora in Gulf celebrates Karthika Masam with devotion and cultural fervour

The Telugu diaspora in the Gulf, especially in Muscat, celebrated Karthika Masam with devotional fervour. The largest gathering took place in Muscat with over 3,000 devotees participating in Vana Bhojanam and Sahasra Lingarchana, led by priests and attended by Indian officials

By Gulf Correspondent

Dubai: The ongoing Karthika Masam festivities have brought a wave of devotional fervour among the Telugu diaspora across the Arabian Gulf, as families gathered to observe rituals and enjoy the pleasant weather.

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Karthika Masam, considered one of the most sacred months in Hindu tradition, is marked by fasting, charity, and acts of devotion. Among Telugu expatriates abroad, fasting and Vana Bhojanalu are the most widely practised observances.

Vana Bhojanalu, often held as community gatherings in various Gulf cities, have become a regular weekly ritual for many Telugu families. However, the Vana Bhojanam held in Muscat, Oman, stood out as the largest congregation in the region, featuring the elaborate performance of Sahasra Lingarchana.

More than 3,000 devotees gathered at Barka on the outskirts of Muscat, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” as they offered prayers and participated in the traditional Vana Bhojanam, a ritual deeply rooted in Telugu culture. Long-time NRI and noted priest Vijaykumar led a team of priests in performing Sahasra Lingarchana, Rudra Homam, and other rituals to mark the event.

Explaining the ritual, organiser Ramdas Chandaka said Sahasra Lingarchana involves the worship of over a thousand Shiva lingams, usually 1,116, arranged to represent Mount Kailash to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. The clay for the lingams was collected locally from Nizwa, he added.

The ritual includes chanting Vedic hymns, performing abhishekas (sacred baths) on the lingams, and making offerings to Lord Shiva.

Indian Ambassador G V Srinivas attended the event and thanked Omani authorities for granting permission. “The congregation in Oman is similar to Mahankali Bonalu in Secunderabad,” said S. Saidaih, ACP of Mahankali Division, who also took part in the event.