Thousands Gather at Madurai’s Vaigai River for Chithirai Festival, Eager to Witness Lord Kallazhagar’s Annual Ritual

In a spectacle of faith and fervor, thousands of devotees congregated at the Vaigai riverbed in Madurai in the early hours of Tuesday, April 23, 2024, eagerly awaiting the annual ritual of Lord Kallazhagar entering the sacred waters as part of the Chithirai festival.

Under the luminous glow of a full moon and the illumination of numerous floodlights, men and women flocked to both banks of the Vaigai river from late Monday night, braving the waters to position themselves at the barricaded venue near Albert Victor Bridge. The bridges spanning the river between Obulapadithurai and Sellur teemed with spectators vying for a glimpse of the presiding deity, Lord Sundararajaperumal of the Azhagarkoil temple.

The atmosphere was electric as devotees immersed themselves in the festivities, splashing and dancing in the river while awaiting the auspicious moment. The air reverberated with chants and songs, punctuated by the ecstatic cheers whenever the public address system played excerpts from the popular film song, “Kallazhagar – Vaararu Vaararu Azhagar thaan vaararu,” from a movie featuring actor Vijayakant.

Despite repeated warnings broadcasted over the public address system, some youths were spotted precariously positioned on the arches of the AV Bridge. Last year’s tragic incident of three drownings near the venue prompted district authorities to take precautionary measures, including regulating water levels and deploying firefighters with inflatable boats.

Special arrangements were made for persons with disabilities, who were granted passes to witness the event from the AV Bridge, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to partake in the festivities. As dawn broke, the momentous occasion commenced with Lord Kallazhagar, seated atop a golden horse palanquin, making his regal entry into the river, eliciting jubilant cheers from the assembled throng.

Amidst the fervent atmosphere, women devotees performed ceremonial rituals, offering prayers and distributing sweets to mark the occasion. Even after Lord Kallazhagar’s departure from the venue, a considerable number of devotees trailed behind, accompanying the deity to the Ramarayar Mandapam (RR Mandapam) for the theerthavari event, where devotees symbolically showered the divine idol with water.

However, amidst the celebrations, law enforcement officials remained vigilant, detaining several individuals found carrying weapons within the crowd. Approximately 20 sharp weapons were confiscated as a precautionary measure, ensuring the safety and security of all participants.

The Chithirai festival in Madurai continues to be a testament to the enduring traditions and spiritual fervor of the region, drawing devotees from far and wide to partake in the sacred rituals and celebrations.