Hundreds of devotees from nearby villages participated in the revered Padugal festival at the Annanmar and Thangathal temples near Sulur, Coimbatore, after a 13-year hiatus due to restoration works.
Coimbatore: The renowned Padugal festival, celebrated at the century-old Annanmar and Thangathal temples near Sulur in Coimbatore, witnessed a significant turnout this year. The temples, located in the Kadampadi area, have not hosted the festival for the past 13 years, owing to extensive renovation works. Recently, following the completion of these works, the Annanmar temple conducted a grand Kudamuzhukku, marking the resumption of festival activities.
On the second day of the festival, activities such as the departure procession from Thangathal and Periyakandiyamman temples, along with traditional rituals like Ammai Azhaithal and Abhisheka Alangara Poojas to Annanmar Swami, were carried out. Continuing with the festivities, events like Periyannasami's Vedarpari, Kilivettai, Kattuchoru, and the special Padugal pooja were conducted. Notably, many devotees were blessed during the Padugal mela, where they traditionally fall to the ground in reverence. Those who fell were laid in front of the temple, and after intensive prayers and music from Udukkai, they were revived. This year's Padugal festival saw massive participation from devotees residing in Kadampadi and surrounding villages, reaffirming their devotion through various ceremonial offerings.
On the second day of the festival, activities such as the departure procession from Thangathal and Periyakandiyamman temples, along with traditional rituals like Ammai Azhaithal and Abhisheka Alangara Poojas to Annanmar Swami, were carried out. Continuing with the festivities, events like Periyannasami's Vedarpari, Kilivettai, Kattuchoru, and the special Padugal pooja were conducted. Notably, many devotees were blessed during the Padugal mela, where they traditionally fall to the ground in reverence. Those who fell were laid in front of the temple, and after intensive prayers and music from Udukkai, they were revived. This year's Padugal festival saw massive participation from devotees residing in Kadampadi and surrounding villages, reaffirming their devotion through various ceremonial offerings.