Shri Mariammen temple celebrates 135 years of faith

EVERY Easter, tens of thousands of devotees from across South Africa gather at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe.

- WENDY JASSON DA COSTA

Although Easter is not a Hindu commemoration or holiday, this annual pilgrimage has deep historical roots. It started at a time when girmitiyas (indentured Indian labourers labourers) in South Africa were only granted leave once a year, at Easter.

Seelan Achary, the chairperson of the Shri Mariammen Temple, says what began as a practical necessity evolved into a powerful spiritual tradition that has endured for 135 years.

"That was the only time the sugar mill bosses gave our parents time off for the long weekend," he says. "They were gone from Friday to Monday."

Now known as the Mount Edgcombe Easter Festival, it is still the biggest gathering of Hindus in the country. Every year devotees line up in their colourful, traditional garb and wait for up to six hours for their turn to pray. The temple takes care of them and thousands of meals are served.

"We easily get 100000 people. If you want proof, ask (former presidents) Jacob Zuma, ask Thabo Mbeki. President (Cyril) Ramaphosa came here when he was still Deputy President," says Achary.

To facilitate the thousands of pilgrims gathering, they began starting the festivities a day before Good Friday so that the queues moved faster.

It has also evolved into a community event where Christians and Muslims join in, and even participate in the temple's cultural and music programmes.