Madurai, Aug. 9 -- Thousands of devotees thronged the Kallalagar Temple in Madurai on Saturday to witness the famous Chariot Festival, an important highlight of the temple's annual Aadi celebration.

Located in the Madurai district, Kallalagar Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Aadi festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), is considered highly auspicious for the shrine.

Earlier on the occasion of Aadi Amavasai, a significant day in the Tamil Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors, hundreds of devotees gathered in Madurai to perform the sacred Pitru Karma Puja, a ritual steeped in tradition and reverence.

This auspicious occasion, which falls during the Tamil month of Aadi (...