Herds of deer that live in the shrub jungle adjoining Fort Frederick in Trincomalee have begun to throng Hindu temples within the Fort. Large numbers of animals are seen foraging for food items and fruit which are offered by devotees who attend poojas and other religious festivities.
The animals often stay in the temple premises at night mixing freely with children during the day.
Deer usually haunt the vicinity of the Pathirakali Amman (Paththini) Kovil along Temple Veediya during the time the procession commemorating the chief deity of Trincomalee Aaladi Pillaiyar Kovil takes to the streets. They eat food thrown by the devotees who have come to watch the procession of the deity returning to his abode after defeating Devil King Gajamuhan (Soora Samharam) at the conclusion of the ten-day "Pillaiyar Kathai" festival. | 
E-mail