A sacred thread is fastened around a devotee's neck during ritual observances at the Koovagam Festival in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu on 29 April 2026, as a priest conducts ceremonial rites with traditional implements including a knife and coir.
Devotees queue to participate in the Koovagam Festival at Koovagam Village in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu on 29 April 2026, one of India's oldest and most inclusive religious celebrations honouring the deity Aravan.
A ceremonial rite unfolds at the Koovagam Festival using traditional implements — a knife and coir — in Koovagam Village, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu on 29 April 2026, reflecting centuries-old worship practices dedicated to Lord Aravan.
Devotees participate in the chariot procession, pulling the idol of Lord Aravan during the Koovagam Festival at Koovagam village, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu on 29 April 2026 — a centrepiece ritual of this historic annual celebration.