Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Temple City exalts as He enters the Vaigai

Mohamed Imranullah S.

Thousands swarmed the river bank to witness the celestial dip

PRETTY PERFORMANCE: A music troupe performing in Madurai on Saturday in view of Lord Kallazhagar's entry into the river Vaigai. — Photo: G. Moorthy

MADURAI: The city exalted in merriness on Saturday, when Lord Sundararajaperumal (Kallazhagar) entered the river Vaigai as part of the `Chithirai' festival.

Thousands of people from far off places had gathered in the city on Friday night itself. The crowd was in high spirits throughout the day and involved themselves in singing, dancing and other forms of merry-making.

Most of shops remained closed, as traders were busy celebrating the eve with their kith and kin. Early in the morning on Saturday, the mass swarmed the river bank to witness the Lord enter the river. With such a huge congregation, one had to take much strain to get a glimpse of the deity adorned in his traditional attire.

Since vehicles were not permitted to move along the roads leading to the riverbank, devotees occupied every inch of available space.

No impact of elections

Men, women, children and the aged showed keen interest in witnessing the Lord's entry into the river. The recently held elections did not deter many of them from participating in the event.

Some youth, dressed like the Lord, joined the musical troupes in the merriment, while a few others were busy spraying water on fellow devotees. At the end of the day, hawkers selling colourful balloons, toys, and other goods for children as well hoteliers made a good business.

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