Silent rallies, prayers mark fourth anniversary

Silent rallies, prayers mark fourth anniversary - The Hindu

Special Correspondent

Families living along the coast performed pujas and paid floral tributes to those who perished in 2004

CUDDALORE: Silent processions and prayers on Friday marked the fourth anniversary of the tsunami, which left a trail of devastation in about 60 coastal villages in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts in 2004.

Families living along the coast performed pujas and paid floral tributes to portraits of those who perished.

At Thevanampattinam, a wreath was placed at the memorial erected in memory of those who were killed.

Several fishermen stayed away from the sea on Friday. While some of them were wearing black bands, some households hoisted black flags.

Children rendered orphans and accommodated at the Seva Illam in Semmandalam here, lit candles and offered prayers.

Collector Rajendra Ratnoo, Cuddalore MLA G. Aiyappan, Municipal Chairman T. Thangarasu and other officials were present. Mr. Aiyappam hosted a lunch for the children.

Three non-governmental organisations - National Consumer Protection Movement, Singaravelar Munnetra Sangam and Cuddalore District Meenavar Peravai - took out silent rallies from the Periyar statue, the Manjakuppam grounds and Thevanampattinam. All of them congregated at the Silver Beach.
Villupuram

In Villupuram, those living along the coast at Koonimedukuppam, Mudaliarkuppam, Panichankuppam, and Pudukuppam offered prayers on the seashore.