The air across Tamil Nadu hummed with devotion on Monday, fragrant with flowers and sweet jaggery as families welcomed Lord Ganesha into their homes. From intimate household prayers to spectacular public displays, the state embraced Vinayaka Chaturthi with a blend of ancient tradition and vibrant creativity.

Key facts

  • 7-foot monolithic Mukkuruni Vinayakar idol in Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple
  • 25 kg Kozhukattai offered at Tiruchirappalli’s Ucchi Pillayar Temple
  • 5,501 public Ganesha installations in Chennai alone
  • 16,500 police personnel deployed for safety and order

Temple Traditions and Towering Idols

At the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai, dawn ceremonies began with a Ganapathy Homam, drawing crowds to witness the Narthana Vinayagar idol anointed in milk and honey. In Madurai, all eyes turned to the massive 7-foot Mukkuruni Vinayakar, where priests prepared a single, enormous ‘Mukkuruni Kozhukattai’—a sweet dumpling steeped in centuries of tradition.

Devotees climbed 417 steps to reach the hilltop Ucchi Pillayar Temple in Tiruchirappalli, where a 25 kg Kozhukattai was offered to the deity. Meanwhile, Coimbatore’s Sri Arulmigu Mundhi Vinayagar temple showcased a monumental 190-tonne granite idol, adorned with 50 kg of sandalwood paste.

Creativity and Cultural Blends

Neighborhood pandals across Chennai unveiled imaginative themes, merging mythology with pop culture—from epic tales to popular cinema characters. In Eral, Tuticorin, a replica of the Tirupparankundram temple deepathoon featured Ganesh lighting a lamp, symbolizing devotees’ aspirations.

Elsewhere, a 74 kg laddu Vinayagar was consecrated in Cuddalore, and an idol crafted from 51,000 rudraksha beads drew admiration in Tiruvannamalai. The Hindu Munnani installed approximately 1.5 lakh public idols statewide, all made from eco-friendly materials by artisans in Ernavur.

Ensuring Order and Ecology

Authorities took significant steps to balance celebration with responsibility. The Greater Chennai Police deployed 16,500 personnel and 500 Home Guards to oversee 1,562 approved public installations. In line with National Green Tribunal directives, immersion processions will follow 17 designated routes to protected water bodies, avoiding ecologically sensitive beaches.

Grand visarjan processions are set for the weekend, peaking on September 19 and 20, as communities come together to honor the beloved deity.