People swarm sea front to pay homage

December 27, 2014 10:35 am | Updated November 17, 2021 11:06 am IST - CUDDALORE:

Families of fishermen pay floral tributes to those who died, in Cuddalore on Friday. Photo: A.V. Ragunathan

Families of fishermen pay floral tributes to those who died, in Cuddalore on Friday. Photo: A.V. Ragunathan

The entire Silver Beach here was swarmed by the families of fishermen drawn from Devanampattinam and the nearby coastal hamlets who gathered there to observe the 10th anniversary of the tsunami that claimed over 610 human lives in the Cuddalore district.

On the solemn occasion women and children remembered their dear ones who were killed by the tidal waves. They all gathered on the beach front, carrying basketful of flowers and pots full of milk. They marched towards the sea and stood there in absolute silence for few minutes, as if recalling the tragic episode that snatched away many lives on December 26, 2004, which had gone into the history as a “Black Sunday.”

While their hearts filled with uncontrollable emotions their eyes welled with tears. After reciting prayers for a while they sprinkled flowers and poured milk onto the waves. Some of them holding lit candles fixed their sight blankly on the distant horizon.

A few of the families put up the portraits and flex boards carrying the pictures of the victims at the tsunami memorial erected on the Silver Beach. They threw petals in unison on the portraits and prayed for peace to the departed souls.

Members of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, led by M. Subbarayan and Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi led by its district secretary Thamaraiselvan were the first among those who paid homage to the tsunami victims.

The entire fishing community abstained from venturing into the sea as a mark of respect for the deceased.

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