Pondy CM takes part in 'Maangani' fest in Karaikal

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy joined thousands of devotees in witnessing the unique 'Maangani' festival of Arulmigu Karaikal Ammaiyar temple here today.

The annual festival is celebrated in praise of 'Karaikal Ammaiyar', the only saintess among the 63 saivaite Nayanmars.

The main event of the festival - the Pitchandavar procession - was held today.

Alarge number of devotees threw mangoes on the idol of Lord Shiva (in Pichandavar incarnation), which was taken out on a procession through the town's main thoroughfares.

It is believed that the ammaiyar gave away one of the two mangoes of a rare variety, handed over by her husband, to a Saivaite saint. When her husband asked for it, a mango fell into her hand from nowhere, which was considered as an act of Lord Shiva.

So, every year on the full moon day during Tamil month 'Aani', mangoes arestrewnby the devotees with the beilef that the fruits would reach Lord Shiva directly.

Police had made elaborate arrangements for the festival under the direct supervision of senior superintendent of police Rahul Alwal.