Annual 5-K Walkathon at The Sri Meenakshi Temple

By Dr. Al. Alagappan

PEARLAND: The much awaited annual 5K walkathon event happened on Sunday, April 3, at the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland. Around 125-150 cheerful participants both young and old with active sporting gear started to assemble slowly from around 7:30 am on a beautiful sunny spring morning.  The event kicked off with a 15 minutes warm up session of yoga, stretching and Soorya Namaskhar demonstration by the event coordinator, Dr. Alagappan.

The walk started after the ribbon cutting by the temple board of directors followed by a pooja by the temple priest seeking the blessing of Lord Ganesha.  It was a beautiful sight to see the participants walking briskly along the walking area prepared with in the temple premises which comprised of 5 rounds around the temple buildings and the recently laid walking trail. The picture perfect weather along with the morning raagas playing in the back ground kept the walkers in high spirits throughout.

Several volunteers worked hard all through the week in getting the entire walking track prepared.  The temple board and the support staff were very cooperative and helpful it getting the event done successfully. The MTS also provided free T-shirts and a sumptuous hot breakfast to all participants. Several door prizes were given away at the conclusion of the event. Chairman Narayanan thanked the coordinators Dr. Alagappan, Saro, Muthuraman, Murali Ravoori and all the volunteers. The peacocks at Meenakshi Temple shelter showed their happiness by dancing with feathers open seeing all the walkers passing by.