Ranganathaswamy Temple, Karamadai – Festivals
The
temple follows the traditions of
the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and
follows Pancharathra agama. There are various daily, weekly, monthly and
fortnightly rituals performed in the
temple. The fifteen-day annual Brahmotsavam during
the Tamil month of Masi (February - March), is the most
prominent festival in this
temple. During the Brahmotsavam, the temple car is drawn around the
streets of the
temple with the festival images housed in it. There is a particular
celebration called Kavala Seva which is done on the Chariot day. The
devotees greet each other chanting the Lord’s name, offer prasadam made of
sugar, fruit and honey, wash the feet of the Lord and hold lighted fire
torches.
Southern railways used to operate free services from
Coimbatore to Mettupalayam till 1983 during the annual chariot festival.
Navaratri, Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Tamil New Year, Rama Navami, Ramanuja
Jayanthi, Nammalvar Thiru Nakshatram, Narasimha Jayanthi, Chakrathalvar Thiru
Nakshatram, Dakshinayapunya Kaalam, Aandal Thiruvaadipooram, Senai Mudhaliyar Thiru
Nakshatram, Manavala Mamunigal Thiru Nakshatram, Deepavali, Thirumangai Alwar Thiru
Nakshatram Thiru Karthigai Deepam, Pagal Pathu, Ira Pathu, Pongal, Koorathazhwar
Thiru Nakshatram and Panguni Uthiram are the other festivals celebrated in this
temple.