Thoothukudi: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district to celebrate the auspicious Vaikasi Visakam festival with great fervour and devotion.
Marking the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, Skanda, or Subrahmanya, the grand festival began on May 31 and spans ten days. Each day is marked by vibrant processions and traditional rituals that draw worshippers from across the region.
On the occasion, devotees dressed in traditional attire and participated in spiritual activities, including devotional singing and customary dance performances. The temple premises were filled with chants and celebrations as devotees expressed their reverence for Lord Murugan, the six-faced deity who rides a peacock and is believed to have been born to vanquish the demon Tarkasura.
Vaikasi Visakam holds immense religious significance, especially in South India, where it is widely observed. The festival, often referred to as the spring festival, symbolises purity, courage, and divine protection for those who worship with sincere devotion.
Notably, the celebrations were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown, making this year’s event even more special for devotees returning in large numbers to celebrate together once again.