Madurai, May 16 -- Thousands of people from five villages near Melur in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district gathered at Kallandhiri village on Saturday to celebrate the centuries-old traditional fishing festival, a vibrant ritual that marks the beginning of summer.

The festival, deeply rooted in local agricultural traditions, is centred around the village temple, located on the banks of the vast Periyanagini Kanmoi. On the eve of the festival, villagers from different castes and communities come together, transcending social barriers, to participate in rituals seeking divine blessings for a bountiful harvest and good health.

A week before the event, posters and public announcements invite the community to partake in the age-old tradition. Far...