Monsoon Journal

“Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues.” - Cynthia Basinet-(b. 1971-)- American Singer, Social Change Activist (1,000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize-2005) By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai dushi.pillai@gmail.com courtesy: humanityAshore.org Pakistan’s estimated population was 172,800,000 in July 2008. It’s the World’s sixth most populous country. By the end of this decade it is expected to be nearly 180 million according to wikipedia. Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations since 1978. Almost two million Afghan refugees remain there according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The refugees who fl ed the fi ghting in Afghnaistitan are scatted in the cities of Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and other cities. There are 500 families (4,500 persons) living in Khan Colony, Gulberg in the city of Lahore. Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan.They left from their homes in 1996, and came to Lahore. Most of them here feel frustrated and disappaointed. They have to walk for a few kilometers to fetch water. They are not rich, and fi nd it diffi cult to meet the daily needs in life. Men go for labourer job, and earn Pakistan Rupees 100/= or less per day. The women go to houses for cleaning, and earn Pakistan Rupees 50/= to Pakistan Rupees 100/=. They say it’s not enough to meet the needs. But they are left with nothing. Their mother tongue is Darwi. They speak fl uently in Pashto and Urdu. Most of the children do not go to school, as their parents cannot afford to send them to school. The people in Khan Colony languish, and have no hopes for their future.

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai dushi.pillai@gmail.com courtesy: humanityAshore.org Maamaangam temple is one of the many ancient Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is situated in a village known as Amirthakzhi in Batticaloa district. The Maamaangam temple has a history of more than 5000 years. It’s believed that, during the battle between Lord Ramar and King Ravanan, Maamaangam temple came into existence. This was originally a Sivan temple, and later became a Vinayar or Pillaiyar temple. Keerimalai is famous for Aadi Amaavaasai in the Northern province. Likewise, in the Eastern Province Maamaanga Pillaiyar temple is famous for Aadi Ammavaasai to carry out special religious rites for our forefathers. Aadi Ammavaasai falls during the month of July on a new moon day. Kaaththotti Kaai is cooked and served on this day, which tastes sour. Pilgrims from various parts of the Island travel and stay her in the Mandapams (resting places), and gather here on this day. It’s believed that, if these special religious rites are performed properly and continuously for six to twelve years, the soul will attain Moksham (Heaven). After the special religious rites are performed the people, bathe in Maamaanga Nathi and take part in Anna Thaanam. The river is also known Anumar Theerththam. According to legends, King Ravanan set fi re to Anumar’s tail, while he was searching Lord Rama’s beloved wife Sithathevi. Anumar was a dutiful messenger of Lord Ramar. After his tail caught fi re, he came to Maamaangam, and dipped his tail into the holy river. And, it is believed that Lord Ramar worshipped the Sivalingam in Maamaangam. Hindus travel to Batticaloa to fulfi ll their vows. It is also believed that many miracles happened here. Devotees believe that, the holy water in the Maamaanga Nathi has healing power, free from their sins and takes away ill evils from the human body