Madurai, Tamil Nadu, June 18: A spectacular gathering of tradition and faith unfolded at Muthalaikulam Kanmai, near Vikramangalam in Madurai district, where more than 30,000 participants from across 13 districts joined the annual Fish Harvest Festival held as part of the Vaikasi Grand Festival of the Arulmigu Karuppusamy and Kamba Kamakshi Amman Temple.
The festivities began on Tuesday night with special pujas, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of three firecrackers at 5:30 AM, which signaled the start of the mass fishing ritual. At the crack of dawn, a sea of eager devotees and fishing enthusiasts waded into the tank, enthusiastically catching fish by hand—some considering it a spiritual and health-affirming ritual.
Participants hailed from districts including Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Theni, Dindigul, and Pudukkottai, adding to the festive fervor and reflecting the enduring cultural appeal of the event.
Locals believe that consuming fish caught during this sacred occasion brings good health and fulfills wishes. The festival, coordinated by Raman, President of the Muthalaikulam Kanmai Irrigation Association, stands as a proud emblem of Tamil Nadu’s rural heritage, uniting tradition, community spirit, and ecological harmony.
Residents lauded the event as a living tradition that not only preserves folk customs and temple-based rituals but also fosters regional unity and showcases the richness of Tamil cultural identity.
Our Citizen Reporter – Madurai
Mr. Ravi
