The entry of Lord Kallazhagar into Vaigai river, the highpoint of the annual Chithirai festival in Madurai, happened in all the grandeur and festivity associated with it for centuries and with lakhs of devotees witnessing from every available space.
A dry riverbed enables devotees to have a closer look at deity.
Thousands of devotees slept on the roads and pavements to get a glimpse of Lord Kallazhagar in the morning. The district administration had set up 16 LED screens at various spots in and around the area for the devotees to witness the event.
Madurai city, mainly the areas surrounding Goripalayam and Tallakulam, wore a festive look since Tuesday evening with people from various parts of the city and surrounding places assembling with their families to witness the event.
Garland that adorned Goddess Sri Andal of Srivilliputtur being taken to Madurai for Lord Kallazhagar.
Children in different attires seen as Lord Kallazhagar enters the River Vaigai.
Unlike the past few years, though Vaigai river was completely dry this year owing to drought, it turned out to be an advantage in a way since it enabled a sea of people to enter the riverbed to get a closer glimpse of the event.
In the early hours of Wednesday, the procession of Lord Kallazhagar, adorned in resplendent green silk and mounted on a golden stallion, began from the temple followed by thousands of devotees and entered the Vaigai river at 6.20 a.m.
Devotees tonsure their heads as part of the ritual as Lord Kallazhagar enter River Vaigai in Madurai.
Lord Kallazhagar proceeds on Alagarkoil Road in Madurai during the 'Edhir Sevai'.
Heavy security arrangements in place as Lord Kallazhagar leaves Alagarkoil for Madurai as part of Chithirai festival.
