Chithirai Pongal Therottam 2026

Hundreds of devotees participated with religious fervour in the grand Chithirai Pongal Therottam festival held at Four Car Streets of Sivakasi. The traditional chariot procession began on May 8, 2026, Friday, with the small chariot (Chinna Ther) being pulled through the temple streets by devotees. Amid devotional chants and the rhythmic chorus of “Aahoi Ayyahoi,” the small chariot reached its destination on the very first day of the Therottam celebrations. The Periya Ther (big chariot), decorated with colourful flowers, festoons and religious ornaments, also commenced its procession on May 8. Devotees from Sivakasi and nearby areas gathered in large numbers to pull the massive temple car through the designated four car street routes over several days.

After passing through important streets amid continuous devotional singing and prayers, the Periya Ther finally reached its destination on May 11. The procession drew huge crowds, with devotees enthusiastically participating by pulling the huge iron chains of the giant chariot while chanting traditional songs. Temple authorities and volunteers made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival, including crowd control, drinking water and medical assistance. Police personnel were deployed at important junctions to regulate traffic and ensure public safety during the multi-day celebrations. The Therottam festival, one of the major highlights of the Chithirai Pongal celebrations in Sivakasi, concluded with special pujas and devotional programmes at the temple.