Mon Dec 23 12:58:23 UTC 2024: ## Thousands Participate in Madurai Temple Festival Despite Rain
**Madurai, December 23, 2024** – Despite intermittent showers, thousands of devotees participated in the annual Ashtami Chapparam festival at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai on Monday. The festival featured a grand procession of the temple’s presiding deities – Goddess Meenakshi Amman, Sundareswarar, and Piriyavidai – on a chariot pulled by devotees through the city streets.
The procession, which began early morning, traversed Adi, Avani, Masi, and Veli Streets. A significant aspect of the celebration involved a separate chariot carrying Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, pulled exclusively by women.
HR&CE officials stated the event was held to promote the well-being of the community, ensuring no one goes without food. Police provided extensive security for the large gathering.
First Piper 