Virudhunagar, Aug 8:
The annual Aadi Pooram festival commenced with traditional rituals at the famed Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, drawing thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
The 10-day festival, marking the birth anniversary of Andal, began with special poojas, Vedic chants and ceremonial processions. Devotees are expected to take part in a series of religious rituals, cultural programmes and processions dedicated to Andal and Sri Rangamannar.
A major highlight of the celebrations will be the grand temple car (ther) festival, during which the deities will be taken in a decorated chariot through the streets of Srivilliputhur, attracting large crowds.
Observed during the Tamil month of Aadi, the festival holds immense spiritual significance, as Andal is the only female Alvar saint in the Sri Vaishnavite tradition.
Temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements, including crowd management, security and essential facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival and the safety of devotees.