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PALANI, TAMIL NADU, May 26, 2004: The 10-day Vaikasi Visakam festival began today, with the hoisting of the holy flag at the Sri Perianayaki Amman here. Hundreds of devotees took part in the ceremony. Earlier, the priests performed a homam (fire ceremony) and deeparadhanas (offering of lights) to the main Deities and utsavamurthis (parade Deities). The icons of the Lord Muthukumaraswamy (Palani or Murugan) and Goddesses Valli and Deivanai were brought to the Kodaikatti Mandapam. Amid chanting of Vedic hymns, the flag was hoisted on the dwajasthambam (flag pole) of Sri Perianayaki Amman temple. Othuvars, the temple singers, rendered Thevaram, traditional songs in praise of Lord Murugan. Later, the Lord Muthukumaraswamy, along with His consorts, was taken around the four Maasi Streets on a golden chariot. The Thirukalyanam festival will be performed between 7.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on May 31, and the car festival will be held on June 1.

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