Hundreds of shops mushroomed on either side of the narrow road from the temple to the river to cash in the occasion.
These shops sold coconuts, turmeric, greens, fruits, and even small pebbles taken from the river bed. These are used to perform the puja. The pebbles fetched between Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 a piece. Tender coconuts, ready-made dresses, and toys too sold like hot cakes.
Ranganathan (31) and Sakthi (33) were among a few men who helped devotees perform the rituals without getting their clothes wet on the muddy water of the river.
They provided water to such devotees on the banks itself. Later, they deposited the offerings in the river.
Devotees paid them between Rs. 5 and 100 for the service. “Every year, we make a few thousand rupees on this day,” they said. “But we never take the money that is part of the offering to be deposited the river,” they said.
Boys aged between 10 and 13 were seen collecting the offerings from the river, including the money, fruits, and sweets.
Even alms seekers made a fast buck by exchanging coins for currency notes.
Dhanush (47), an alms-seeker from Tenkasi who came to Perur said he got more than Rs. 1,000. He came with a bagful of coins he earned seeking alms.
