The annual Chitirai festival at Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Paramakudi was celebrated with fervour and gaiety on Tuesday. The festival, which commenced with the tying of “kaapu” at the temple on April 18, witnessed the presiding deity entering the Vaigai river at 3.20 a.m. on a “pushpa pallakku” (flower mount). Amid chanting of vedic hymns and roar od ‘Govinda Govinda’ by hundreds of devotees who came from Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts, the event took place. At around 10.15 a.m., special pujas and aradhana were performed at Tallakulam mandahapadi in Melachathiram, following which the deity was taken on a “kuthirai vahanam.” Earlier, In the night, the deity was taken on procession to Vandiyur Kakkathoppu Mandapam where special “santhana kaapu” alangaram was conducted.
The Chitirai festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple. It is believed that the festival brings good fortune and prosperity to the devotees. The festival is celebrated over a period of 10 days, with each day having its own unique rituals and ceremonies. The festival concludes with the “theerthavari” ceremony, in which the presiding deity is taken for a holy dip in the Vaigai river.