Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu), September 20:The 36th annual Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations in Indira Nagar, Thoothukudi, witnessed a vibrant display of rural tradition with a bullock cart race that drew large crowds from neighbouring villages.
The high-energy competition was organised as part of the festival celebrations and was conducted in two categories —Chinna Maadu and Poonchittu Maadu. Bullock carts from both categories raced along the track as enthusiastic spectators gathered in large numbers to witness the competition.
People from Thoothukudi and surrounding areas lined the race route, cheering as the bulls and their drivers competed to reach the finish line.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, during which members of the festival committee presented awards and honours to the owners and drivers of the winning bullock carts, recognising their participation and competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have been held with traditional fervour across several parts of southern India.
In Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district, thousands of devotees gathered at the renowned Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Pillayarpatti for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi chariot procession. A major highlight of the celebrations was the special Chandanakappu, or sandalwood paste adornment, of Lord Karpaga Vinayagar, a ritual performed only once a year.
The deity was ceremonially taken around the temple in a decorated temple car as part of the grand Therottam. Women, children and young girls also participated in the procession as the decorated temple cars carrying Lord Karpaga Vinayagar and Chandikeswarar moved around the temple amid a devotional atmosphere.
The ten-day festival began on September 5 with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony. The celebrations also includedChaturthi Theerthavari, a sacred water ritual held at the temple tank on Ganesh Chaturthi.
In Thoothukudi, members of various organisations were also seen transporting Ganesha idols in vehicles to designated locations for installation. The idols were carefully loaded onto vehicles while following safety measures, with special prayers and worship planned at the installation sites.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is marked by the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces, prayers and cultural programmes. The festivities traditionally conclude with the immersion of the idols.
