Devotees gather at Thiruvananthapuram temples for Vinayaka Chaturthi prayers

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – On the auspicious day of Vinayaka Chaturthi, temples across the capital city opened early to accommodate a surge of devotees. Special pujas were conducted from dawn, with priests chanting traditional hymns and offering modak, the sweet favoured by Lord Ganesha. Crowds gathered at prominent shrines such as the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Attukal Temple, observing rituals that include the abhishekam and aarti. Authorities reported smooth crowd management, and local transport services were increased to facilitate worshippers. The celebrations reflect the city’s deep‑rooted devotion to Ganesha and mark the beginning of the festive season.

The day’s schedule also featured cultural programs in temple courtyards, where classical music and dance performances were presented to honor the deity. Organisers emphasized adherence to COVID‑19 guidelines, urging participants to maintain social distancing and wear masks. Volunteers distributed prasad and guided devotees through the procession routes.

Overall, the Vinayaka Chaturthi observances in Thiruvananthapuram were marked by heightened religious fervour, drawing residents and visitors alike to partake in the traditional rites and communal prayers.