Madurai: A grand spectacle unfolded for lakhs of devotees gathered near AV Bridge in Madurai as Lord Kallazhagar entered the Vaigai river at 5.50 am as part of the Chithirai festival celebrations. The deity crossed over and was greeted by Lord Veera Ragava Perumal, who was stationed there already, following tradition. The crowds, which had been waiting around Alwarpuram since midnight, went into raptures, chanting 'Govinda, Govinda.'
Veera Ragava Perumal's Arrival
About two hours earlier, Veera Ragava Perumal, mounted on his silver stallion, had arrived to prepare to welcome the deity. He was greeted with loud cheers as the crowd pushed to the front to see him, chanting 'Govinda, Govinda.' He entered the Vaigai, went to his mandagapadi, and awaited Kallazhagar.
Deities Meet and Celebrations
After the two deities met, Kallazhagar, mounted on a golden horse, made three perambulations in the area, enabling all devotees to see him well. Devotees lit sakkarai deepams and offered darshan to each other in celebration. Kallazhagar then travelled to Ramarayar Mandapam, where Theerthavari was performed.
Security and Medical Arrangements
Tiered entry was granted to witness the descent on Friday, with coloured passes being checked by police, who also set up barriers to manage the crowd. Devotees travelled from various districts with their families to witness the celebrations. 'We felt very safe, and the presence of the ambulances on the scene was also very reassuring,' said Prateeksha from Trichy, who has witnessed the celebrations since 2021. Police said that as many as 12 devotees, including two children, suffered from various medical emergencies and were treated at Govt Rajaji Hospital and discharged.
Other Incidents and Community Efforts
In another event, near Shenoy Nagar, an unidentified male body was recovered by police and sent to Govt Rajaji Hospital for autopsy. The deceased was identified as Shibu, 35, of Kanyakumari. Police suspect he may have come to Madurai to engage in festival-related business and are investigating. A buttermilk stall was set up on the premises of St Mary's Cathedral in Madurai during the festival to promote religious harmony. Tamil Nadu Platform of People's Unity distributed buttermilk to the public. A total of 110 tonnes of waste was cleared as of 5 pm on Friday, using 582 sanitation workers, 25 tractors per shift across three shifts, two JCB machines, and three tipper vehicles.
