12 day Chitrai festival of Meenakshi temple begins

: The 12 day 'Chitrai' festival at the famous Sri Meenakshi temple began today with the hoisting of the flag at the temple this afternoon.

The festival began with pandits performing homam and special poojas to the main deity Sri Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

The coronation festival of Sri Meenakhi will take place on Apr 28, the celestial wedding on Apr 30 and the car festival on May 1, temple officials said.

The 'Theertha' festival would take place on May 2.

The decked up idols will be taken around the temple streets on all these days and will be worshipped by thousands of devotees.