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Flag Hoisting Ceremony Marks Beginning of Velliangiri Andavar Temple Panguni Uthiram Chariot Festival

SimpliCity News Team · 27 Mar 2026

Coimbatore: The sacred Velliangiri Andavar Temple in Poondi, revered as the Southern Kailash, has commenced its prestigious annual Panguni Uthiram Chariot Festival with a traditional flag hoisting ceremony. The five-day religious festival began today with devotional fervor as hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the ceremonial rituals.

The flag hoisting ceremony was conducted by members of the Sri Velliangiri Andavar Devotees Trust, Tiruppur, and M.S.P. Groups, who inaugurated the festival by hoisting the sacred flag on the temple's flagpole. The ceremony was preceded by Velvipoosai (fire worship) rituals, marking an auspicious beginning to the celebrations.

The Panguni Uthiram Chariot Festival at Arulmiku Velliangiri Andavar Temple is one of the most celebrated religious events in the region. Since the installation of the flagpole in 2006, the flag hoisting ceremony has been an integral part of the annual celebrations. The flagpole was adorned with Vilva garlands and decorated following traditional customs, while devotees offered prayers to Lord Velliangiri Andavar with deep devotion.

During the ceremony, devotees were seen in a state of spiritual ecstasy, offering their heartfelt prayers to the deity. The five-day festival schedule includes various religious ceremonies such as Velvipoosai, Abhisheka processions, Thirukalyanam (divine wedding ceremony), Nataraja Abhishekam, and other sacred rituals that will be performed daily.

The grand finale on the fifth day will feature the highly anticipated chariot procession, where thousands of devotees are expected to participate by pulling the sacred chariot through the temple streets. This spectacular event draws devotees in large numbers who consider it an honor to pull the ropes of Lord Velliangiri Andavar's chariot.

The temple trust has made extensive arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, including Annadanam (free food distribution) and other facilities. Trust administrators have extended an invitation to all devotees to participate in this spiritually enriching festival at the powerful Poondi Velliangiri Andavar Temple and seek divine blessings.

The Panguni Uthiram festival holds special significance for devotees who believe that participating in these celebrations brings spiritual merit and divine grace. The temple authorities have ensured all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate smooth darshan and participation for the thousands of devotees expected to attend the five-day festival.

Velliangiri Andavar Temple Panguni Uthiram chariot festival Poondi Coimbatore religious festival flag hoisting temple festival devotees Tiruppur

Flag Hoisting Ceremony Marks Beginning of Velliangiri Andavar Temple Panguni Uthiram Chariot Festival

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