Mahamaham festival concludes; lakhs witness 'Theerthavari'

Kumbakonam (TN) Feb 22: The nine-day Mahamaham festival, known as the 'Kumbh Mela of the south', concluded here today, with conduct of the most important event 'theerthavari', witnessed by lakhs of people.

The theerthavari event is considered the most sacred to take a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank. Police said more than five lakh people took a holy dip in the tank today.

Since February 13, more than 25 lakh people have taken a holy dip as part of the festival, which falls once in 12 years. Official sources said deities from 12 Shiva temples were taken in a procession to the banks of the tank and pujas were performed before the Theerthavari was held.

Heads of various 'mutts' participated in the ceremony, they said. At nearby Chakarapadithurai, deities from five Vaishnava temples were taken in a procession to the banks of the river Cauvery, pujas performed and Theerthavari ritual held there also, the officials said.

PTI