The Thoothukudi District Collector has declared October 27 as a local holiday for all government offices, schools, and colleges in view of the Tiruchendur Kanda Sashti festival, one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant religious celebrations dedicated to Lord Murugan.
The week-long Kanda Sashti festival at the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, the second of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes, will commence on October 22. The grand Soorasamharam, symbolizing Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, will take place on October 27, followed by the Thirukalyanam (divine wedding) on October 28.
Thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states are expected to throng Tiruchendur to witness the celebrations. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and the district administration have made extensive arrangements for crowd management, drinking water, sanitation, and transport facilities.
The Collector also announced that Saturday, November 8, will be observed as a working day in lieu of the declared holiday.
The Tiruchendur Kanda Sashti is one of the most revered festivals in Tamil Nadu, drawing lakhs of devotees every year to the coastal shrine, where the reenactment of Soorasamharam highlights the eternal triumph of good over evil.
