KUCHING – The annual Aadipooram Festival 2025, held at the Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple in Jalan Ban Hock, once again served as a powerful display of cultural tradition, religious devotion, and interfaith harmony in the heart of Kuching.
The celebration, dedicated to the revered Hindu saint and goddess Andal, drew a large crowd of devotees, well-wishers, and community leaders from all walks of life. The temple grounds were transformed into a vibrant centre of worship, complete with colourful decorations, devotional chanting, and ritual offerings that reflected the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Aadipooram, observed during the Tamil month of Aadi, commemorates the birth of Goddess Andal, the only female Alvar saint in the Vaishnavite tradition. Raised by Periyalvar in the temple town of Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu, Andal is known for her unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, famously offering garlands she had worn herself in an expression of pure love for the deity. Her poetic works, including the Thiruppavai, continue to be sung by devotees across the Tamil-speaking world.
In Kuching, the festival was marked by special prayers, rituals, and the symbolic offering of bangles to female devotees—a custom believed to bring blessings for marital happiness and prosperity. The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated by the presence of prominent leaders, including N13 Batu Kitang representative YB Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, MBKS Councillor Eric Tay Tze Kok, and Cr Dato Shankar Ram.
Their attendance not only added honour to the event but also underscored the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual respect that Kuching is known for. Despite religious and cultural differences, such gatherings demonstrate how shared values like compassion, community service, and devotion unite citizens across faiths.
Speaking to attendees, temple officials and community representatives expressed their gratitude for the support received from both the public and civic leaders. They highlighted how events like Aadipooram help preserve cultural heritage while fostering a climate of tolerance and understanding among diverse communities in Sarawak.
In an age where religious tension often makes headlines elsewhere, Kuching continues to set an example for the rest of Malaysia. The Aadipooram Festival is not only a religious occasion for the Tamil Hindu community—it is a shared celebration of unity, respect, and the harmonious coexistence that defines Sarawak’s multicultural identity.
As prayers filled the air and offerings were made with sincerity, the festival served as a gentle reminder that faith, when practiced with humility and openness, can build bridges rather than barriers. Kuching’s celebration of Aadipooram 2025 reaffirmed the city’s reputation as a place where tradition thrives in the embrace of unity.
