The golu festival commenced at the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, marking the beginning of the Navrathri celebrations.
The inaugural day featured a series of spiritual and cultural events, including the chanting of Lalitha Sahasranama, Vedic recitations, Thirumurai hymns, and devotional songs by women’s groups. A Bharatanatyam dance performance was also held, followed by Nama Sankirtanam, a classical music concert, and a spiritual discourse in the evening.
During the festival, special poojas and aarti sessions are scheduled daily at the Golu Mandapam. These will take place from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
A highlight of the festival is the Ekadasha Laksha Archana (11 lakh offerings) dedicated to Meenakshi Amman, set to occur on September 26. The ritual will be conducted in two sessions: from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Additional events include daily recitations of Lalitha Sahasranama, Vedic hymns, and Thirumurai from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as well as cultural performances such as Bharatanatyam, Nama Sankirtanam, and spiritual discourses at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, respectively.
On September 28, a special Thirumurai recitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on September 29, a women’s Lalitha Sahasranama recital is scheduled at 4:15 PM.
The festival will conclude on October 2 with the “Vidyarambham” ceremony, where children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years will begin their formal education by writing their first letters with the guidance of their parents. During the Kolu exhibition, spiritual quizzes will be conducted, with prizes awarded to participants. Saplings will also be distributed to visitors.
The temple’s chief priest, Adhimoolam, and Deputy Commissioner Hariharan have overseen the arrangements for the festival.