By Mewati Sitaram
On the occasion of Diwali, a formal Lakshmi Puja was organized on the day of Dhanteras at the Consulate Office of Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Dr. Valsan Vethodi sat in the pooja with his wife and performed the pooja according to the scriptures. The puja was concluded with chanting by the priest.
Many important people of Mumbai and Consul Generals of many countries participated in this puja ceremony. On behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, protocol officer Milind Hardas was present along with his wife. The Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Sameer Somaiya and Consul General of Malaysia Ahmed Zuwairi Yussof, Consul General of Vietnam Hoang Tung were present. A representative from the American Consulate also attended the pooja.
After the puja, a variety of vegetarian buffet meals were served. All the guests present at the event thoroughly enjoyed the Sri Lankan cuisine. Consul General of Sri Lanka Dr. Valson Vethodi told Mumbai Tarang that the culture of Sri Lanka and India is centuries old and we celebrate the major festivals of India with great enthusiasm.
CG of Malaysia Ahmad Zuwairi, CG of Sri Lanka Dr. Valson Vethodi and CG of Vietnam Hong Tung at the puja ceremony. (Photo: Mewati Sitaram)
Dr. Valsan Vethody, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai said “Sri Lanka and India have many festivals which are celebrated in both the countries. In Mumbai Consulate we are organising Laxmi Pooja for the past several years. We are happy that many prominent dignitaries and Consul Generals of various countries attended the pooja. We serve authentic Sri Lankan delicacies on this auspicious day which is relished by all the guest’s”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
