Thousands converge, Srirangam celebrates Chithirai Therottam

Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, May 14 (UNI) Thousands of devotees from different parts of the state congregated at the historic Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple here to participate in the annual "Chithirai Therottam (Temple Car Festival), being held as part of the ongoing Chithirai Celebrations, here today.

Braving hot sun, the devotees pulled the decorated temple car in which the idol of the deity Lord Namperumal along with his consort Ubhaya Nachiyar was mounted, amidst chanting of "Ranga Ranga." The temple car was taken around the four important Chithirai Veedhis (Streets) around the temple.

Special poojas were performed before the devotees started pulling the car. The car festival is part of the 12-day "Chithirai Festival".

Hundreds of volunteers distributed free water and food to the devotees.

The district administration has declared a local holiday today in view of the festival.

UNI