Mangani fest celebrated in Tamil Nadu

Karaikal, July 11 (PTI) Thousands of people took part in the throwing of mangoes, the main event of the four-day Mangani festival at the Karaikal Ammaiyar temple here.

Thousands of people took part in the throwing of mangoes, the main event of the four-day Mangani festival at the Karaikal Ammaiyar temple here.

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The devotees threw mangoes on the idol of Lord Pichandavar (Shiva), which was taken out in procession yesterday. The streets wore a yellow look with mangoes strewn all around.

The unique Mangani festival commenced with Vigneshwara Pooja on Thurday. This festival, celebrated in praise of "Karaikal Ammaiyar", the lone woman saint among the 63 Saivaite "Naayanmars", symbolises the event when the Ammaiyar gave away a rare mango variety to a Saivaite saint.

Legend has it that the mango was fondly kept by her husband. When he asked for the mango (which Ammaiyar gave to the saint), she prayed to Lord Shiva and he granted her a still more delicious mango.

Earlier, the "Thirukalyanam" between Punithavathi (Karaikal Ammaiyar's original name) and Paramadattan was held yesterday and the Karaikal Ammaiyar idol was taken in procession in 'muthu Pallakku'.

Special abishekam and poojas were performed for Lord Pitchandavar starting from three am. The devotees were given mango as prasadam.

The festival also saw the display of the secular heritage of Karaikal with Muslims and Christians participating in large numbers.