All reads led to Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur, as the Panguni Uttiram fest concluded, on Mar.26. The locality swelled with thousands of devotees who came from far and wide to get a glimpse of the Theppa vizha, a time when the deity is taken around the temple tank on a float.
The crowd cheered in reverence as the float neared. The festive Thiruvanmiyur was decorated and replete with annadaman and various small shops selling various wares.
The Chennai Traffic Police had implemented traffic regulations in the streets leading to the temple, however, there was no prior information about any diversions. Thus, there was traffic jam not only on the ECR, but also Anna Street / Muthulakshmi Street, Kalakshetra Road, Kamaraj Salai, Valmiki Street, Mettu Street and South Mada Street. Police were re-directing the commuters to the main roads.
“There was mayhem in all the surrounding streets. Had the police notified in advance, the nearby residents would have probably planned better about commutation,” said Kamaraj, a resident. One hopes that there is better planning in place next time.
