MADURAI: The 12-day annual ‘Chithirai festival’, popularly called as ‘Chithirai Brahmotsavam’ of the world renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple here commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony today.
Amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, the priests hoisted the temple flag between the auspicious hours of 9.50am and 10.15am with religious fervour. Special puajas were performed to Lord Sundarewarar and Godess Meenakshi on the occasion. Thousands of devotees thronged at the temple to witness the flag hoisting ritual.
“The ‘Pattabishekam’ (coronation) for goddess Meenakshi would be held on May 5 and the famous ‘Thirukkalyanam’ (Celestial wedding) of goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar as part of the festival will be performed on May7”, N Natarajan, Joint Commissioner, HR and CE Department, said.
The celestial wedding event will be telecast live on LED screens in the four Masi streets around the temple. The temple authorities have made arrangements to provide wedding feast for thousands of devotees on that day, Natarajan said.
The Chithirai car festival will take place on May 8. Besides, the spectacular event of Lord Kallazhagar entering into River Vaigai will be held on May 10.
Over 10 lakh devotees from various parts of the country and abroad are expected to congregate in the city to witness the event.
The district administration in coordination with various other departments has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.