Tamils usher in new year

Chennai, Apr 14 (UNI) Tamils across the state today ushered in 'Viya,' the Tamil New year, with traditional fervour and gaiety.

Special poojas, a variety of food preparations and social gatherings marked the new year celebration at most of the households.

Wearing new clothes, people thronged famous temples, including Kapaleeswarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple in the city, where special 'abhishekams' and poojas were performed on the occasion.

They also exchanged greetings and sweets with friends and relatives.

Youth flocked to cinema theatres as films of their favourite heroes hit the screen on the occasion.

A Tiruchirapalli report said thousands of people lined up at the famous Vaishnavite temple of Sri Ranganatha Swamy at Srirangam, Sri Mariamman Temple at Samayapuram and 'Uchchi Pillayar' Temple located atop the 273-foot-high Rockfort to offer their prayers.

State Governor S S Barnala, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK President M Karunanidhi and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion.

UNI AKN-GSM ARB HT1847