Noida: The sacred festival of Sashtapreethi was celebrated with great devotion, spiritual fervour and cultural dignity in Noida, reflecting a vibrant confluence of faith, tradition and community bonding.
Shastapreethi: A Sacred Ritual Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa
Shastapreethi is a sacred religious ritual dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Shasta), performed with deep devotion, discipline, and spiritual sincerity. This tradition is predominantly followed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and holds great significance for devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The observance of Shastapreethi is considered especially auspicious during the Mandalam period.
Meaning of Shastapreethi
- Shasta (Sashta): One of the names of Lord Ayyappa
- Preethi: Love, devotion, and reverence
Together, Shastapreethi signifies devotion offered to Lord Ayyappa with love and unwavering faith.
Spiritual Significance
The ritual is performed to seek divine blessings for peace, prosperity, good health, and spiritual strength. Shastapreethi symbolizes purity, self-restraint, discipline, and complete surrender, core values of the Ayyappa tradition.
Key Elements of Shastapreethi
- Special prayers and worship of Lord Ayyappa
- Bhajans, kirtans and chanting of sacred mantras
- Cultural and spiritual performances
- Collective participation of devotees, reflecting unity and brotherhood
Essence of the ritual
Shastapreethi is not merely a religious ceremony but a powerful expression of collective faith, devotion, and spiritual unity. It reinforces the belief that where Lord Ayyappa is remembered with a pure heart, his divine presence is naturally felt.
The morning session of the programme was graced by Vandana Tripathi, ACEO, Noida Authority, whose esteemed presence added significance to the event. She highlighted the cultural and spiritual relevance of Sashtapreethi and emphasised the role of such celebrations in fostering social harmony and preserving traditional values.
The evening session was honoured by the presence of Yamuna Prasad, DCP, Noida, as the Chief Guest. Dominic Joseph, Global Vice President of the World Malayali Council, attended the event as a Special Guest. The programme also witnessed the distinguished presence of K. Arunachalam, President, Gautam Budh Nagar South Indian Association, along with T. P. Nandan, K. Venugopalan, Mohan Nair and several other eminent personalities.
A major highlight of the celebration was the screening of “Ayyappa Chaitanyam,” a digital short musical film. Artistically portraying the spiritual consciousness of Lord Ayyappa, the sanctity of the Mandalam season and deep-rooted devotional emotions, the film received wide appreciation from the audience and dignitaries alike.
The Sashtapreethi festival successfully brought together the South Indian community residing in Noida, strengthening spiritual, cultural and emotional ties while reaffirming traditional values. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all guests, artists and supporters whose collective efforts made the event a memorable and meaningful success.