Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrations in Trichy

Trichy (Tamil Nadu), Dec.17 (ANI): Devotees took part in a grand procession in Tamil Nadu's Trichy District that marked the beginning of the festival of Vaikuntha Ekadasi on Friday.

Thousands of devotees seek blessings of Lord Vishnu who is also known as Ranganathan, at the Ranganathaswamy temple.

"Today we are all here, gathered to pray (to) the God Ranganathan. He is dressed in full traditional attire and jewellery along with the decorative parrot green flower garland. We are all praying to god to give peace and happiness," said Yamuna Swami, a devotee.

The temple gate opened early on Friday for pilgrims to offer their prayers.

"I have come all the way to witness this grand festival of Vaikuntha Ekadasi. It is a rare phenomenon and today we have all the blessings of Lord," said Krishna Gopal, a devotee.

The procession was taken out amid high security arrangements.

Vaikuntha Ekadasi is celebrated for 21 days during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). (ANI)