Vellore (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 15 (ANI): The annual Sirasu festival was celebrated with immense fervour and devotion at the Gengayiamman Temple in Gopalapuram, Gudiyatham, in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu.

The festival commemorates the mythological event of Parashurama beheading his mother and bringing her back to life. Lakhs of devotees participated from Gudiyatham and neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

Also Read | Waqf Amendment Act: Centre Reaffirms 'No De-Notification of Waqf Properties' Before Supreme Court; Hearing Deferred Till May 20.

The festivities began with the ceremonial carrying of the idol's head (Sirasu) from Muthyalamman Temple in Dharanampet, accompanied by traditional art performances like silambattam, mayilattam, puliattam, and karagattam.

The vibrant procession moved through several streets, culminating at the Gengayiamman Temple, where the Sirasu was ritually placed on the decorated body of the deity, Chandalaachi.

Also Read | Haridwar Shocker: Stalker Rapes Woman After Throwing Chilli Powder in Eyes, Attacks Her With Iron Rod and Knife After Sex Assault; Victim Critical.

To ensure smooth proceedings, over 1,000 police personnel, led by Vellore District Superintendent of Police Mathivanan, were deployed for security. Over 100 special buses, special poojas, and a ceremonial "eye-opening" ritual for the goddess were performed, followed by thousands of devotees queuing up for darshan.

Devotees also performed offerings like garlanding the goddess, lighting camphor, and breaking coconuts along the procession path.They operated from surrounding areas to accommodate the massive turnout (ANI).

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)