A Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day commemorative event was held at the Murugan Temple in Gummersbach, Germany, where members of the public gathered to honour the Tamil lives lost during the final stages of the armed conflict in Mullivaikkal in May 2009.
Tamils from Gummersbach and surrounding areas attended the event, which formed part of global Mullivaikkal remembrance observances held annually across the Tamil diaspora and the Tamil homeland. The commemorations mark the mass atrocities committed against Tamil civilians during the final months of the war, when tens of thousands were killed by the Sri Lankan state.
The remembrance event commenced with special prayers conducted for those who lost their lives in Mullivaikkal. The temple’s chief priest then lit a memorial flame in front of a dedicated Mullivaikkal remembrance display arranged within the temple hall.
Attendees subsequently paid floral tributes and lit candles in memory of the victims, as prayers and acts of remembrance continued throughout the evening in what organisers described as a calm, dignified and emotional atmosphere.
The programme also included a commemorative address reflecting on the significance of Mullivaikkal remembrance for Tamils across the world and the importance of preserving historical memory for future generations.
As part of the event, Mullivaikkal kanji was distributed to attendees. The thin rice porridge has become a powerful symbol of remembrance for Tamils, recalling the rice water consumed by civilians trapped under relentless bombardment and severe shortages during the final days of the genocide.
Mullivaikkal remembrance events continue to be observed annually across Europe, North America, Australia and the Tamil homeland.
