Devotees flock to Kulasekarapattinam for Dasara

Devotees dressed as gods, mythological characters and other figures have begun arriving in large numbers for the annual Dasara festival of Mutharamman temple at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district.
The Soorasamharam (annihilation of demon), the highlight of the festival, will take place on the midnight of October 20. With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the grand event, the town is witnessing a steady influx of pilgrims from various parts of Tamil Nadu.
As part of their religious observance, devotees wear kaappu (a sacred wrist thread) and dress up in various costumes to collect offerings for the god and fulfill their vows. Thousands of devotees and Dasara groups from Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and other districts have begun arriving in Kulasekarapattinam.
The district administration and district police have made elaborate arrangements, including temporary parking spaces, temporary bus stands, diversions for vehicles and comprehensive security measures, for the festival.