On December 26, 2004, one of the deadliest tsunamis in history struck, claiming over 220,000 lives across 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. As the 20th anniversary approached, emotional ceremonies took place in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where families gathered to honor the victims through prayers and memorial rituals. Locations such as Banda Aceh and Pattinapakkam served as poignant reminders of the tragedy, with various tributes including candle lighting and flower offerings reflecting the enduring memory of those lost.