Panguni Pongal

My native town is Virudhunagar in Tamilnadu. Last month the town celebrated the festival 'Panguni Pongal'. Panguni is the last month of Tamil calendar. This festival is conducted to express gratitude to the town's main deity, Mariamman. Mariamman translates to Goddess of Rain. (btw, adjacent to this temple, there is a bigger temple for Veyiluganthamman, Goddess of sunlight).

During the three day festival, people carry fire pots (see pics) from home and deposit in a big furnace available in the temple. It is very exciting to watch so many people carrying such pots. The drum beat, blown pipe music, crackers etc add vibe to these processions.

Last day is really interesting as the majestic temple car is pulled around the town.

Lot of people gathering at the same place itself is a good experience to go through.