Cauvery River: Thousands participate in Thula Snanam festival

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Akhanda Cauvery River in Thirupparaithurai, Tamil Nadu, to participate in the annual Thula Snanam festival. The event marks the first day of the Tamil month of Aippasi.

As part of the sacred rituals, Astra Devar received a ceremonial abhishekam using offerings such as sacred ash, turmeric, sandalwood paste, milk, and rose water. Following this, the Theerthavari ritual was conducted, during which devotees took holy dips in the river. The ceremony included a procession of deities, including Lord Somaskanda and Goddess Parvati, carried on a silver Rishabha vahana accompanied by traditional musical instruments.

Thula Snanam is a significant Hindu tradition where bathing in the Cauvery during the month of Aippasi is believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity to families. The first-day observance is known as Mudhal Muzhukku.