Kalikambal Temple, George Town – Festivals
The Vasantha Navaratri in March – April and the
Navaratri festival (September-October) are occasions when the Mahamandapam
(main hall) in front of the east facing shrine of the Utsavar (processional
image) is uniquely decorated with metal cymbals like those used in the Kinni Ther,
the chariot of cymbals. The 10-day Margazhi festival (December-January) has a
procession of Manikkavacakar, the Tamizh Saint-poet. This culminates in the
Shiva festival of Arudra Dharisanam, when Lord Nataraja is taken out in a
procession in the early hours of the morning. The processional icon of
Kalikambal is taken out in the evening.
The festival of Maasi Makam (February-March when the
star Makam reigns over the skies) features a procession of the deity to the
seashore. The ten-day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi (May-June) begins with a
traditional flag hoisting and concludes on Vaikasi Visakam (the day the star Visaka
reigns over the skies). A procession of deities on brightly decorated mounts is
the highlight.
Fridays in general are considered to be of significance
here. Of greater significance are Fridays in the Tamil months of Thai
(Capricorn) and Aadi (Cancer). On every Tuesdays and Fridays at Raagu kalam
special poojas by lighting in lemon fruit cups is worth mentioning. The vows of
the devotees with this light offering is believed to be heard and answered
immediately. The turmeric paste got from the abishekams of Sri Moolavar is
proved useful in treating diseases.
