Grand Chariot Festival Held at Thanjavur Big Temple with Thousands of Devotees

The grand chariot festival was held with great enthusiasm at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur on Monday, attracting thousands of devotees as part of the ongoing Chithirai Festival celebrations.

The festival began earlier on April 13 with the ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by daily processions of deities on various vahanas. On the 15th day, the highlight event—the chariot procession—was conducted in a grand manner.

In the early hours, deities including Sri Thyagarajar, Skandar, and Kamalambal were taken in procession, followed by the Panchamoorthis in decorated palanquins. Special rituals were performed before the deities were placed on the temple chariot to bless devotees.

The massive temple chariot, measuring about 19 feet in height and weighing around 40 tons, becomes even larger after decoration, reaching nearly 50 feet in height. It is intricately designed with hundreds of sculptures and bells, making it a visual spectacle.

Devotees gathered in large numbers, pulling the chariot through the four main streets surrounding the temple while chanting devotional slogans. Cultural performances such as traditional dances, music, and folk arts added vibrancy to the procession, creating a festive atmosphere across the town.

The chariot halted at multiple designated points along the route, allowing devotees to offer prayers. Authorities deployed police, fire, and medical teams to ensure safety during the event. Due to the large gathering and extreme heat, arrangements like water distribution and free food services were provided.

A local holiday was declared in the district to facilitate participation in the festival, which continues to draw devotees from across Tamil Nadu.