Masi Maham and Valli Kalyanam festivities light up temples

It is that time of the year when Masi festivities, Lent, and Ramzan are observed simultaneously in the city and elsewhere. With the full moon in the sky, Chennaiites also enjoyed Holi, adding more colours to the celebrations. 

As the Maham star reigned for two days, Maasi Maham was celebrated at many temples on Monday (March 2) and Tuesday (March 3), when the utsava idols were taken to the sea for a ceremonial dip. On Monday, Sri Chandrasekarar, the utsava deity of the Velleeswarar Temple in Mangadu, was taken to the Marina for the Theerthavari. Ramesh Gurukkal, a priest at the temple, said the procession began after an early morning abhishekam. At the beach, a kalasabhishekam was also performed.