Thousands witness 'Maangani'fest at Karaikal shrine

Streets of Karaikal turned yellow with mango juice as thousands of devotees took part in the 'maanganifestival' (throwing mangoes on the streets)of the Arulmigu Karaikal Ammaiyar temple here Tuesday. The festival, celebrated in praise of 'Karaikal Ammaiyar', the only woman saint among the 63 saivaite Nayanmars, symbolises the event when the ammaiyar gave away a rare mango variety to a saivaite saint.

This year, the four-day festival commenced with Vigneshwara pooja on Sunday, followed by Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding) on Monday. The main event of the festival, the Pitchandavar procession was held on Tuesday.

Alarge number of devotees threw mangoes on the idol of Lord Shiva (in Pichandavar incarnation), which was taken in procession along the streets. As a result, the streets of Karaikal were filled with mango juice.

Karaikal district collector A Vikranth Raja and other top officials participated. Police had made tight security arrangements.

The festival concludes on Wednesday..