Close to a lakh devotees from far and near descended on the Vaigai riverbed early on Friday morning to witness Lord Kallazhagar entering the river as part of the annual Chithirai festival. The event is the highlight of the festival.

Devotees of all ages thronged the venue from Thursday night itself. They waited patiently along with their families and friends for the arrival of Lord Kallazhagar.

While most of the devotees were on the riverbed and in the river, a large number of people were perched on Albert Victor bridge and vantage points in the vicinity to catch a glimpse of the deity.