The ‘koda’ festival at the Mandaikadu Devi temple got under way on Sunday with devotees from Kerala and Tamil Nadu witnessing the flag-hoisting ceremony led by tantri Edakkode Mahadeva Iyer.
The ‘Koda’ festival which usually witnesses wide participation will be held on March 10.
The ‘koda’ festival is the most important event at the temple located near Colachel. The area was part of erstwhile Travancore and the rituals in the temple are done in the traditional tantric way of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Parasurama. In 1803, the King of Travancore took over the temple.
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On March 6, Mahapuja will be held. On March 9, Valiyachakra theevatti procession will be held.
The festival ends with ‘koda’ and pooja starting at 12 a.m. on March 10.
Pongala offering will be held on all days of the festival. During the 10-day festival which precedes the ‘koda’ thousands of devotees from Kerala are estimated to visit the temple daily. The temple is situated by the sea.
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The Tamil Nadu government has made special arrangements considering the rush of pilgrims. The Tamil Nadu Police have deployed 1,200 personnel as part of the festival.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs special services to the temple from Thiruvananthapuram during the festival.