“I used to live near the temple in Chidambaram. We would return in time to watch the temple get decked during the festival,” says 55-year-old engineer, Paranjothi.
“Chidambaram, celebrates Thiruvathirai with much pomp. Lord Nataraja here is adorned with 30-odd varieties of sacred liquids, symbolising a special abhishekam,” he adds.
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Here, three things are special – The Arudhra Dharisanam which happens twice a year – once during the Tamil month of Aavani and then during Margazhi, then the Pongal festival.
“One can find Tamils from across the world here during the festival. People like coming back to their roots during this time. One can find the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora as well,” he shares.
In the culinary realm, two special dishes take centre stage on the day of Thiruvathirai. Thiruvathirai Kali and Thaalagam, also known as Ezhu Kari Kootu are offerings to Lord Shiva.
Despite variations in regional customs and evolving practices, the celebration of Thiruvathirai, deeply rooted in Saivism, has withstood the test of time.