Festive spirit pervaded Samayapuram, in the outskirts of the city, as a large number of devotees from different parts of the State converged for the annual Chithirai car festival at the famous Arulmigu Mariamman Temple on Tuesday.
At 10.30 a.m., thousands of devotees braved the severe heat to pull the temple car amid religious fervour.
Temple authorities and Fire and Rescue Services personnel had made arrangements for sprinkling water on the roads to help barefooted devotees pulling the car.
The car festival marked the 10th day of the Chithirai festival, which started on April 9 and slated to conclude on April 21.
A number of devotees undertook padayatra to the temple from Tiruchi and other places. Many of them carried kavadis, milk and fire pots. Annadhanams by individuals and institutions also marked the celebration.
The local body and temple administration set up temporary showers for the benefit of devotees on Chennai Bypass Road. Elaborate security arrangements had been made for the festival.
A local holiday had been declared for the district in view of the festival.
