Madurai | Thousands of devotees witnessed the ceremonial car procession, taken out as part of the annual Chithirai Festival here on Wednesday.

The festival began at Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple with a flag-hoisting ceremony on April 19.

The deities of the temple were taken on procession on decorated cars, on Masi Streets, as part of the 11th day celebration. Devotees raised chants hailing 'Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi' and pulled the ropes of the holy cars.

Devotees of the ancient city and its surrounding areas, neighbouring states, and even abroad thronged Madurai to witness the chariot procession. The Madurai City Police has deployed over 2,000 personnel to provide security coverage.

In view of the chariot procession, vehicular traffic has been prohibited across all the Masi streets, and additionally, overhead electrical wires running along these streets have been temporarily removed.

As a precautionary measure, emergency vehicles, including fire tenders and ambulances, have been stationed at strategic locations to ensure safety. Drinking water and mobile toilet facilities were arranged for the devotees.