Grand Celebrations of Thai Poosam Draws Thousands to Palani Temple

The annual Thai Poosam festival at the Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, located in the Dindigul district of India, witnessed an impressive turnout of devotees on January 28, 2024. Tens of thousands of participants flocked to the temple, engaging in vibrant processions while chanting “Muruga, Muruga, and Arohara, Arohara.” The main event featured the temple car carrying the presiding deities, Lord Muthukumarasamy alongside Goddesses Valli and Deivanai, which was pulled around the four Car Streets, symbolizing a significant part of the festival’s rituals.

Devotees began their pilgrimage on January 26, 2024, with the hoisting of the holy flag at the Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple. According to temple sources, an estimated 170,000 devotees visited the temple on January 27, while over 200,000 attended on the day of Thai Poosam itself. Many devotees participated in the traditional padayatra, walking to the temple after fasting as a form of devotion.

The festival included special rituals such as pujas, aradhana, and abishekam, culminating in a celestial wedding that took place on January 31, 2024. During the festival, a remarkable total of 312,325 containers of panchamirtham, a sacred offering, were sold, amounting to a value of ₹87,29,685.

Strict Security and Arrangements for Devotees

With the influx of devotees, security was a top priority. Authorities, including Palani MLA I.P. Senthil Kumar, Collector S. Saravanan, and Superintendent of Police A. Pradeep, oversaw the elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safety of participants. A substantial number of police personnel were deployed throughout the temple town to manage the large crowds and maintain order.

In anticipation of the high attendance, local authorities established special bus services to facilitate transportation for devotees. Adequate provisions for drinking water, toilet facilities, and medical assistance were also set up. An additional service, known as Annadhanam, provided meals to the attendees, reflecting the spirit of community and hospitality that characterizes the festival.

The celebration of Thai Poosam will continue until February 4, 2024, culminating in the Theppa Ther, a ceremonial water procession. As the festival draws to a close, the significant participation of devotees showcases the enduring religious fervor associated with this revered event in Palani.