Renewing the marital thread
Every year thousands of devotees from far and near gather on the Chithirai streets outside Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple to witness the 'Thirukalyanam', the Celestial Wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar.
As per tradition, the women devotees replace their 'Thali' with a new mangalsutra. The devotees also distribute the mangalsutra, vermilion powder and pictures of the presiding deities to fulfil their vow.
C. Ashok Bhattar, a priest at Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, said that women devotees tie the new mangalsutra as they believe that the marital bond becomes stronger.
Sacred items are distributed by the devotees in a respectful manner on the auspicious day. They do so as it is believed that good deeds reciprocate. Devotees distribute the mangalsutra with the belief and hope that any person unmarried in their family will get married soon.
At the 'Thirukalyanam', the devotees pay 'moi' outside the temple and are given a receipt and a gift bag that contains the mangalsutra, vermilion powder and pictures of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar
Following the celestial wedding, the devotees head to the 'Thirukalyana Virundhu'. Close to a lakh devotees are treated to a grand feast. The essential materials like rice, ghee, oil and vegetables are contributed by devotees.

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