
Kallazhagar begins return journey to Alagar hills
Madurai
: Lord
Kallazhagar
began his return journey to the
Alagar hills
on Thursday morning, marking the final leg of the
Chithirai festivities
. The revered deity, who descended into the city in royal grandeur, was taken on the traditional 'Poo Pallakku' (floral palanquin) procession, a significant cultural and spiritual event that drew thousands of devotees through the night and into early morning.
Mounted on Anantha Rayer Pallakku, the deity was decorated with vibrant floral arrangements and regal ornaments, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The palanquin, adorned entirely with fresh flowers of varied hues, moved gracefully through the streets, with devotees chanting hymns and offering prayers. For many, witnessing this part of the festival is considered auspicious, said the devotees.
The procession which commenced at 7am from Ramanathapuram Mannar Sethupathi Mandapam at Tamukkam passed through important locations including Mariamman temple (out post), Ambalakarar Mandapam, and Moondru Maavadi.
The deity crossed Madurai city limits on the way to Sundararajan Patti and is scheduled to reach Alagarkovil by Friday morning.
While the spiritual significance of the procession was not lost on the crowds, the event also caused heavy traffic disruptions, particularly on Natham Road and adjacent localities such as Narimedu and Bibi Kulam. Several arterial and interior roads were blocked, resulting in long delays for morning commuters.
"We couldn't step out for work or drop our children at school on time. The procession is a cherished tradition, but there needs to be better traffic management," said R.
Balamurugan, a resident of Bibi Kulam. Another commuter, Priya Suresh of Narimedu, said clear communication and alternate routes should be planned in advance. City police deployed personnel at key junctions and used barricades to manage the crowd and traffic. Officials later urged the public to cooperate, citing the festival's cultural importance and large turnout.

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Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Kallazhagar begins return journey to Alagar hills
Madurai : Lord Kallazhagar began his return journey to the Alagar hills on Thursday morning, marking the final leg of the Chithirai festivities . The revered deity, who descended into the city in royal grandeur, was taken on the traditional 'Poo Pallakku' (floral palanquin) procession, a significant cultural and spiritual event that drew thousands of devotees through the night and into early morning. Mounted on Anantha Rayer Pallakku, the deity was decorated with vibrant floral arrangements and regal ornaments, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The palanquin, adorned entirely with fresh flowers of varied hues, moved gracefully through the streets, with devotees chanting hymns and offering prayers. For many, witnessing this part of the festival is considered auspicious, said the devotees. The procession which commenced at 7am from Ramanathapuram Mannar Sethupathi Mandapam at Tamukkam passed through important locations including Mariamman temple (out post), Ambalakarar Mandapam, and Moondru Maavadi. The deity crossed Madurai city limits on the way to Sundararajan Patti and is scheduled to reach Alagarkovil by Friday morning. While the spiritual significance of the procession was not lost on the crowds, the event also caused heavy traffic disruptions, particularly on Natham Road and adjacent localities such as Narimedu and Bibi Kulam. Several arterial and interior roads were blocked, resulting in long delays for morning commuters. "We couldn't step out for work or drop our children at school on time. The procession is a cherished tradition, but there needs to be better traffic management," said R. Balamurugan, a resident of Bibi Kulam. Another commuter, Priya Suresh of Narimedu, said clear communication and alternate routes should be planned in advance. City police deployed personnel at key junctions and used barricades to manage the crowd and traffic. Officials later urged the public to cooperate, citing the festival's cultural importance and large turnout.


Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Chithrai fest: Traffic curbs, parking zones announced
1 2 Madurai: Ahead of the Kallazhagar's entry into the Vaigai river as part of the Chithrai festival on Monday, Madurai city police have announced an elaborate traffic and parking regulation plan to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees. According to a police statement, the Kallazhagar's descent into the Vaigai is scheduled between 5.45am and 6.05am on Monday. In view of a massive turnout of devotees, key stretches, including the route to Ramarayar Mandapam via the AV bridge and the Yanaikkal new bridge, will be closed to all vehicular traffic in the early hours of will be strictly restricted along both the southern and northern banks of the Vaigai near Obula Padithurai. Vehicles from the southern parts will not be allowed to cross into the northern side via the AV bridge or Sellur new owners with authorised parking passes have been directed to park in designated zones. Green pass holders can access parking near the southern end of the AV bridge, while blue pass holders must park near Anna bus stand and the Periyar buses and heavy vehicles heading towards Keelavasal or Simmakkal via Alagarkoil Road and Natham Road will be diverted through Race Course Road, the Pandiyan hotel junction, and KK Nagar. Vehicles from Periyar bus stand heading to Natham Road or Melur Road must also take alternative routes via Mahal Road and the Aravind Eye Hospital can use specially earmarked parking grounds such as Gokhale Road, YMCA, ITI, and several school grounds across the city. Those viewing the river entry can park near Gandhi Museum, the Race Course ground, and the PWD parking is permitted only on one side of certain streets, including Keelamasi and Vadakku Masi. Unauthorized vehicles will not be allowed into restricted zones such as the Amsavalli-Anna statue stretch and the Goripalayam area.


Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
Railway to operate special trains for Chithirai fest between Tambaram and Madurai
Madurai: Southern Railway has announced special trains between Tambaram and Madurai in view of the Chithirai festival in Madurai city. Train No. 06049 Tambaram – Madurai Superfast Special will leave Tambaram at 11.30pm on May 10 and reach Madurai at 7.55am the next day. In the return service, Train No. 06050 Madurai – Tambaram Superfast Special will leave Madurai at 11.30pm on May 12 and reach Tambaram at 7.50am the next day. The trains will have two AC 2- tier coaches, 16 sleeper coaches, and two second class coaches (Divyangjan Friendly), and stop at Chengalpattu, Melmaruvathur, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Vridhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Trichy, Manaparai, Dindigul, and Kodaikanal annual Chithirai festival attracts more than 15 lakh people to Madurai. Rail users have urged the railway to operate more special trains for the Chithirai festival. "Not only from Chennai, Southern Railway should consider operating special trains from southern places such as Sengottai and Tirunelveli to Madurai for the Chithirai festival," said R Sundaraperumal, a Madurai resident.