Trincomalee celebrates Kumbam festival

A devotee carries the gaily decorated Kumbam

Last Sunday the Kumbam festival was held in the Trincomalee town The unique "Kumbam" festival was introduced to Sri Lanka by Sikh soldiers who were billeted in the Trincomalee town during British colonial rule. The Sikh soldiers were brought to Trincomalee by the British to construct the naval base in the port town after the conquest of Sri Lanka then known as Ceylon.

The Kumbam festival is held annually at the conclusion of Navarathiri poojah (nine holy nights the-first three nights being dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Thurga -the Goddess of Courage-. The second three nights to Goddess Lakshmi- the Godess of Wealth and the final three nights to Goddess Saraswathie –Goddess of Education).

The Hindus of Trincomalee continue this century-old Kumbam festival even though the Sikh soldiers left the shores of this country once the country gained independence. A large silver pot is used to construct a Kumbam (about ten feet in height). It is colourfully decorated and the Kumbam is placed on a seat made up of margosa leaves which is kept on the head of a devotee. Most Hindu temples especially the Paththini temples celebrate Kumbam festivals. On the final day of the Navarathiri festival, all Kumbams are taken in procession though the Trincomalee town.