COVID-19: Devotees congregation prohibited for Chithirai fete of Sri Meenakshi Temple

Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management R B Udhayakumar on Friday ruled out the congregation of devotees for the annual Chithirai festival of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai this year owing to Novel Coronavirus.

Talking to newsmen here, he said any religious event leading to the formation of crowds would be disallowed.

Referring to a query whether the Chithirai festival of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple would be held as per schedule this year, the Minister said no crowds of devotees would gather for the festival this year due to Coronavirus.

Considering that 22 districts in Tamil Nadu have been declared as COVID-19 hotspots by the Centre, no festivals or religious events that would lead to large gatherings can be held in the State. This is a nation-wide strategy adopted to tackle the pandemic, he added.

However, the Minister did not comment on whether the Chithirai festival-related rituals and pujas would take place on a small-scale inside the Meenakshi temple, Lord Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Tallakulam Perumal Temple and Sri Subramanyaswami Temple at Tirupparankundram.

Meanwhile, the temple officials requested the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department to grant permission for conducting the "Thirukkalyanam" (celestial wedding) of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar as per "Agama Shastra" of the temple without devotees participation.

The Chithirai festival also popularly called as "Chithirai Brahmotsavam" of Meenakshi temple attracts lakhs of devotees from different parts of the State.

This year, the "dwajarohanam" (flag hoisting) ceremony of the festival was slated to be held on April 25, followed by the Celestial Wedding on May 4 and the grand event of Lord Kallazhagar's entry into River Vaigai on May 7.