Offerings, fire pot and ‘karagam’ processions, and preparation of sweet pongal marked the commencement of annual Chithirai festival at Sri Gowmariamman Temple in Veerapandi near here on Tuesday.
Special pujas were performed.
A large number of devotees thronged the temple since morning.
Special arrangements have been made for dharshan, and basic amenities provided. Holy car festival will take place on May 13. The temple will remain open round-the-clock on all festival days.
Thousands of pilgrims took a holy dip in the Mullai Periyar river before dharshan.
Two temporary bus stands have been set up at Upparpatti pass and Uppukottai pass on both sides of Veerapandi town as the police closed traffic on Theni-Kumili highway near the temple to ensure safety of pilgrims.
All vehicles proceeding to Cumbum, Chinnamanur, Gudalur, Uthamapalayam, Kumuli and Peermedu from Theni, Madurai, Dindigul and Tiruchi were being diverted at Uppukottai pass and they passed through Kuchanur to reach Theni-Kumuli highway at Chinnamanur.
All vehicles proceeding to Theni from Cumbum and Kumuli were diverted at Upparpatti pass and they reached Theni bus stand after crossing Thappugundu, Thadicherry and Kuduvilarpatti villages. The TNSTC started operating special buses to temple from different parts of the district.
Though Veerapandi bypass was opened for traffic, buses were not operated on the road.
Operation of buses through Veerapandi bypass would help TNSTC save fuel as drivers need not have to drive 20km extra to reach Theni-Kumuli highway at Chinnamnur, said commuters.
