COIMBATORE: The streets of Coimbatore city wore a festive look on Sunday with men and women dancing to the beat of drums and music, during a Varshidhan procession.
Varshidhan symbolises the act of sacrificing worldly pleasures. Eight Jain women, who decided to embrace nunhood were taken on a procession. Looking beautiful in ceremonial bridal attire and jewellery, the women were taken in chariots through the city. The procession attracted much attention even as those participating in the walk distributed clothes, rice and money. The eight women also gave away offerings to people.
The procession symbolises a send-off for the women, who enjoyed all comforts till that time, giving up all worldly pleasures and taking up a life of asceticism and leading a Sadhvis’ life.
The procession which started from R G Street at 8.30 am went around Sukrawarpet, Flower Bazaar and a few other streets and back to the temple.
The women included two sisters Monica Kirthi Talawat (26) and Sonica Kirthi Talawat (24), her cousin Deepika Suresh Talawat (24) from Madurai and their aunt Rekha Talwat (40), all from same family, S Deepika (23) and Gudiya (24) from Bangalore, Pooja from Madurai and Pooja Junermalji from Chennai.
After returning to the temple, the women narrated their experience and Sonica thanked the people who shower them with love and affection and participated in procession and treated her like their own daughter.
The women spoke about what motivated them to embrace the new life.
Panyasprava Arihanth Sagar Ji M S, the monk, who blessed them, said it was no easy task and the life the women take up was tough. “It requires dedication and strong determination to continue with the same enthusiasm, which should not reduce with time,” he said.