SRIPERUMBUDUR: The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial virtually turned into a temple on Thursday with the late leader’s followers offering ‘worship’ just as devotees would while offering prayers.
As early as 8 am, on the occasion of the 18th death anniversary of the Rajiv Gandhi, Congress workers and local people began thronging the memorial premises and paid tributes at the site where Rajiv was assassinated.
Interestingly, women from neighbouring villages virtually turned the place into a temple by offering a ‘complete worship’ and elevated Rajiv to the status of a God. They placed coconut, bananas and lighted agarbathis besides camphor and touched it, just as people would do in temples.
The women said a prayer by closing their eyes in a meditative mood and circumambulated the assassination site that had Rajiv’s image in the background that was adored with flowers.
For K Mala, an elderly woman it was an annual ritual. “Those who are dead can bless us and since Rajiv dedicated his life for the nation he is very special to me,” she said.
Those who offered prayers and paid tributes were treated to a sumptuous free meal.
Sriperumbudur Congress MLA D Yasoda, who steered the arrangements for the anniversary function, said that the people’s love for Rajiv was only a reflection of the late leader’s commitment to the growth of the nation besides his dedication for the upliftment of the disadvantaged people.