The road from Madurai to Chittampatti saw a distinct procession of men carrying baskets of fruits on their head on Friday. The procession was taken out after 18 years. Over 200 men walked all the way from Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple to Chittampatti, praying for a good spell of rain and flourishing agriculture.
A.K. Barathi, a software professional, who took part in the festivities, said “The event is special because we order huge quantity of fruits from hill stations for the puja. The men distribute the fruits and carry them in large baskets as an offering to our god Devi Amman in our village”. He said that the tradition was stopped in the middle and, as a result, did not bring prosperity to the village. Farmers were particularly affected during this 20-year phase, he said.
He hoped that the distinct offerings to the gods would change the course of their agriculture in the days to come. He added that there would be enthusiasm for the next two days in the village as women and children would welcome them and treat them with special importance.