Coimbatore: Traditional tribal dance, devotion, slight drizzle and unfathomable joy marked Diwali celebrations at Isha Yoga Centre on November 4, as hundreds of residents from nearby tribal hamlets thronged Adiyogi and celebrated the festival of lights in a grand manner.

Every Amavasya, residents from local villages around Isha Yoga Centre come to Adiyogi and perform pooja for Yogeswara lingam and Sapta Rishis consecrated by Sadhguru. "Isha is like our own house. This is the only temple where Pazhankudi Makkal are allowed to do pooja. We are greatly honoured by this act of Sadhguru," said Tamil Selvi of Vellapathi tribal village. As Diwali fell on an Amavasya this time, residents decided to do the pooja and celebrate Diwali in the presence of Adiyogi.

When the clock struck 5 in the evening, hundreds of families from tribal hamlets including - Madakadu, Mullangadu, Thanikandi, Pattiyar Kovilpathi, pachan vayalpathi, Perumal Koil Pathi, Nallur Pathi, Seengapathi, Vellapathi, Sadivayalpathi - assembled at Sarpavasal and walked towards Adiyogi carrying flowers, fruits and other offerings. Music from traditional percussion instruments reverberated in the air and kicked in the festive mood.

Pleased by the devotion of the native residents, the rain god sent down showers of blessings. All of them performed pooja for the Yogeswara Lingam and Sapta Rishi and dispersed around 8 p.m. after Annadhanam. Earlier in the day, Isha volunteers offered sweets and crackers to the people of villages around Thondamuthur and conveyed Diwali wishes.

"Setting aside all differences, residents of all tribal hamlets came together, danced and enjoyed the festival. It was a very joyful experience. Youngsters look forward to this day every year. Our children get proper education because of Isha, so what else would be more joyful to us other than celebrating the festival of lights with our kith and kin at Isha,” added Tamil Selvi.

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