Surya Vattam; Deities make rounds of Mada Streets

The Panguni festival depicts the events that lead upto the Thirukalyanam or the celestial wedding between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also about honouring the living beings who helped the Goddess when she was praying to the Lord. 

The month of Panguni is associated with heat. It is believed that when Goddess Parvati was praying under the Punnai Tree, Suryan and Chandran (the sun and moon) took turns fanning her to give her a little respite from the heat. 

To honour their service, Lord Kapaleeswarar and Goddess Karpagambal are taken around the Mada Streets in the Surya Vattam (seen in the picture) and Chandra Vattam on Day 3 of the festival.