Message of renaissance stressed on Narayana Guru anniversary

Colourful processions and community feasts marked the birth anniversary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru in the City on Friday.

Thousands of people defying intermittent rains participated in a procession that started from Rajendra Maindan in the afternoon to converge at the Ernakulam Town Hall for a public meeting, inaugurated by writer M. K. Sanu.

Tableau depicting the life of Sree Narayayana Guru, traditional Theyyam and Kavadi dancers and singing of devotional songs were part of the procession that took about an hour to reach the Town Hall from Rajendra Maidan.

Prof. Sanu said that Kerala appeared to be on a track going back to the old days of Kerala from which Sree Narayana Guru through his life and preaching ushered in an era of social renaissance. This was a time when we had to renew our resolution against loss of social values, he added.

M. J. Jacob and K. Babu, MLAs and Deputy Mayor of the Corporation of Cochin C. K. Manishankar were among those who spoke at the meeting.

Elsewhere in the city, a community feast preceded by a procession was organised by the SNDP Yogam. Festivities also marked the Gurujayanti celebrations at Ponnurunny and Kadvanathara.