With flag hoisting, Chithirai fest begins in Meenakshi temple

Before the ceremony, the 66-feet-tall flag pole was decorated and special pujas conducted for it. Subsequently, at around 10 am, the flag was hoisted as mark of commencement of Chithirai festival. 

Lord Sundareswarar along with Goddess Meenakshi were taken to ‘Kambathadi Mandapam’, where the flag hoisting ceremony was conducted. In the evening, both the presiding deity and Goddess Meenakshi were taken in a procession on a silver Palanquin around the temple. Devotees who lined up on four Masi streets offered their prayers.

However, due to the closure of the Eastern Tower due to the recent fire accident, many devotees could not attend the flag hoisting ceremony as the Kambathadi Mandapam is located close to the tower. 

Karumuttu Kannan, Chairman of Board of Trustees, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, said elaborate arrangements have been made to facilitate devotees to witness the Chithirai festival. “Arrangements have also been made for around 16,000 people to witness the celestial marriage to be performed on April 27,” he added.