At most Amman temples in the neighbourhood, there was a celebration, big or small, for Aadi Pooram on Aug 13. The deities were decorated with shiny jewellery, huge garlands and glass bangles. Special rituals were performed accompanied by the chanting of hymns and slokas from religious texts.
Sri Kapali Temple, Mylapore, saw a stready stream of devotees walk in all throughout the day. Barricades were put up to manage the crowd which swelled up to more than five thousand at one time. Bangles were distributed to all the devotees who made it to the temple that day.
At homes, the women got busy. They were up early to decorate their homes with beautiful kolams. An elaborate meal was then prepared and offered to the deity.
Seen in the picture is the deity at Sri Kapali Temple, Mylapore.
