Hindus and Muslims participate in a procession

The festival has been followed since 100 years and no untoward incident had been reported even once

In a striking example of communal amity, Hindus and Muslims today thronged the seashore near Chidambaram in the district when the idol of Lord Bhoovaraga Perumal was taken in a procession for a holy dip in the sea on the occasion of "Masi Magam", a Hindu festival.

Hindus and Muslims participated in the procession at the Killai hamlet when the idol was taken for the holy dip (Theerthavari) in the sea. Later, the Muslim Jamaath gave a warm send off to the deity.

Members of the Muslim Jamaath had received the idol and offered prayers last night to Lord Bhoovaraga Perumal, the presiding deity of the Srimushnam Vaishnavite temple about 100 km from Killai.

Trustee of the Mosque, Haji Abdul Karim said the tradition of receiving and keeping the deity at the mosque for prayers during Theerthavari day is being followed for the past 100 years, adding, no untoward incident had been reported even once during this period.

Earlier, Lord Bhoovaragha studded with gold and diamond jewels, was taken in a procession from the temple with police security to the hamlet.