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Friday, November 2, 2018

Kalikambal Temple, George Town – Festivals

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.