Devotees thronged the Sri Kokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple in Villianur to take part in a chariot procession — one of the highlights of the Shiva temple’s annual festival.
As per custom, Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy symbolically pulled the rope tethered to the bedecked temple car carrying the deity.
Speaker R. Selvam, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Agriculture Minister C. Djeacoumar, Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister A.K. Sai J. Saravanan Kumar, Leader of Opposition R. Siva, and temple administrators participated.
Police security was tighened due to the sizeable crowd. The temple administration committee had welcomed the Lt. Governor with a ‘purna kumbh’. Mr. Kailashnathan, Mr. Rangasamy and others also offered prayers and served food to the poor in an ‘annadanam’ ritual.
The Lt. Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries were escorted away immediately after the symbolic rope-pulling ritual.
