On Sunday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple in Madurai to participate in the grand chariot procession, a highlight of the ongoing Vaikasi Perunthiruvizha festival. This festival, which began on May 23 with a ceremonial flag hoisting, includes daily processions featuring the deity on various vahanams, such as a lion and elephant, blessing worshippers along the temple streets. Additionally, devotees celebrated Vaikasi Visakam at the nearby Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, where they engaged in special rituals and offerings. The festivities also included a fire-walking ceremony, where participants, after undergoing rituals, walked across a fire pit as an expression of their faith. The temple, administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, serves as a significant religious site for many families in the region. Local authorities ensured the smooth conduct of the celebrations amidst the large turnout.