Koda Festival Begins at Bhagavathi Amman Temple in Kanyakumari

• The annual 10-day Koda festival commenced at the Bhagavathi Amman temple in Mondaikad, Kanyakumari, with the traditional Kodiyettu flag hoisting ceremony.
• Thousands of devotees, predominantly women, witnessed the flag hoisting on February 28, accompanied by chants of ‘Amme Saranam’ and ‘Devi Saranam’.
• Key rituals include ‘Valiyapadukka’ on March 6, ‘Valiya Theevatti’ procession on March 8, and the ‘Odukku Pooja’ on the final day, with the legendary Koda on March 10.
• The 89th annual Hindu Maha Sammelan also started, featuring religious and cultural conventions.
• Over 800 police personnel, Marine Police, watchtowers, and special inter-state bus services have been deployed to manage the large crowds from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.