Munneswaram Nikini Festival to commence on July 31
By Prasad Poornamal
CHILAW
The annual Nikini Maha Festival of the historic Munneswaram Sivan Temple will commence with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at 10.00 a.m. on July 31 and conclude with the Theertham (water-cutting) ceremony at 11.00 a.m. on August 27, Chief Priest Brahmasri S. Padmanaban Kurukkal said.
He made these remarks at a media briefing held at the temple on Sunday.
The Chief Priest urged devotees to take necessary precautions during the festival due to the prevailing high temperatures. He also requested worshippers to avoid the use of plastic and polythene within the temple premises and to dispose of waste responsibly to support dengue prevention efforts.
The festival’s main religious observances and processions will begin on August 19 and continue until the Theertham ceremony on August 27.
Major highlights of this year’s festival include the Fire-Walking Ceremony on August 22, the Mango-Piercing Ceremony on August 25, and the Grand Chariot Procession featuring five temple chariots on August 26 at 10.00 a.m.
The festival programme is as follows:
- July 31 – 10.00 a.m. – Flag Hoisting Ceremony
- August 19 – 6.00 p.m. – Ganesha Festival
- August 20 – 6.00 p.m. – Kataragama Deity Festival
- August 21 – 6.00 p.m. – Maha Vishnu Festival
- August 22 – 4.00 p.m. – Fire-Walking Ceremony
- August 23 – 6.00 p.m. – Bhikshadana Festival
- August 24 – 6.00 p.m. – Nadesar Festival
- August 25 – 4.00 p.m. – Mango-Piercing Ceremony
- August 26 – 10.00 a.m. – Grand Chariot Procession
- August 27 – 11.00 a.m. – Theertham Ceremony
- August 29 – 4.00 p.m. – Thirukalyanam (Divine Wedding Ceremony)
The annual Nikini Festival will conclude with the Thirukalyanam ceremony on August 29.
