Jaffna bans entertainment events during Nallur temple festival

Jaffna authorities have banned musical shows and similar entertainment events in the city for one month from 17 August, when the annual festival of the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple begins.

The authorities will also prohibit the consumption and sale of meat and fish during the pilgrimage season. The slaughter of animals for meat and the consumption of alcohol will also be banned.

Officials have decided to take legal action against anyone who behaves in a manner that disrespects the temple or disrupts the religious observances.

The measures were announced at a meeting chaired by Jaffna Mayor Mathivathani Vivekanandarajah to discuss arrangements for the annual festival and services for devotees.

The festival will begin with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag on 17 August.

Authorities expect a large number of devotees to attend this year’s festival. More than 700 Hindu priests from India have also indicated that they plan to take part.