Yearly Festivals
Ram Navami (Lord Rama's Birthday) The celebrations start a day earlier with the uninterrupted 24-hour recitation of the Shri Ram Charit Manas. This is concluded at 6.30 a.m. on the auspicious morning, followed by Havan. The devotees continue a programme of prayers and bhajans till 12.00 noon, the exact time of Lord Rama's birth, when the Aarti is recited and everyone is served a sumptuous lunch.
Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's Birthday): The Shrimad Bhagavatam is recited for a whole week, culminating in a Havan on the morning of the auspicious day, followed by the flag-hoisting ceremony. In the evening, starting at 7.30 p.m., there is a programme of prayers and bhajans, climaxing with the Aarti at the stroke of midnight, the exact time of Lord Krishna's birth.
Shivratri: This is a celebration in honour of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, and involves an all-night programme of bhajans and hymns sung in praise of the divine couple.
Raksha Bandhan A girl ties the raakhi around her brother's wrist to symbolise the loving bond between brother and sister. The brother reciprocates by giving the sister a present in cash or kind.
Navaratri: During this festival of "Nine Nights" the Goddess (or Devi) form of the Supreme Lord is worshipped in three aspects - Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It is celebrated with daily Pooja, Bhajans, Garba and Dandiya Raas. The celebration culminates with a similar programme on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashmi).
Divali: This "festival of lights" marks the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayudhya after defeating the evil Ravana. With their homes thoroughly washed and cleaned in preparation for the festival, and wearing new clothes, the people spend the day visiting their relatives and friends, and light up their homes and offer prayers in the evening. A Divali prayer session is held at the temple from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.
Holi: After the Holi fire has been lit and prayers chanted by Shri Pujariji, the members of the community let their hair down and sprinkle coloured water and powder on each other in a fun-filled evening.
Pran Pratistha: This signifies the anniversary of the consecration of the present temple in Kampung Kasipillay. The programme begins with a 24-hour non-stop recitation of Shri Ram Charit Manas concluding on the morning of the auspicious day. After the Havan and the flag-hoisting ceremony the devotees sing Hari Kirtan and listen to religious discourses. A sumptuous lunch rounds off the celebrations. A medical team is also on hand to cater for devotees wishing to donate blood.
Other Festivals: Other festivals celebrated by the devotees with equal pomp and devotion include Hanuman Jayanti and the Hindu New Year.