The Panguni Uthiram festival at Palani is a vibrant ten-day celebration centered around Lord Muthukumaraswamy. The festivities begin with the Kodiyetram (flag hoisting) at the Thiru Avinankudi Temple on the first morning. The initial days are marked by a series of sacred processions; the deity is carried in the Thantha Pallakku (ivory palanquin) each morning, while the evenings feature diverse mounts (Vahanas) including the Silver Kamadhenu, the Silver Goat, the Golden Peacock, and the Elephant.
The Divine Wedding (Day 6)
The sixth day is one of the most spiritually significant points of the festival. Following the customary morning palanquin procession, the evening is dedicated to the Thirukalyanam—the celestial wedding of Lord Murugan with Goddess Valli. This auspicious ceremony takes place around 6:00 PM, followed by a grand night procession on the Velli Ratham (Silver Chariot) to celebrate the divine union.
Panguni Uthiram: The Grand Chariot Festival (Day 7)
The seventh day marks the peak of the celebrations with the Therottam (Chariot Festival). The rituals begin in the pre-dawn hours with the Theerthavari at 4:30 AM. After a morning of traditional ceremonies at Adivaram and ThiruAvinankudi, the focus shifts to the massive temple chariot. Following the Thiruther Ezhuntharulal in the afternoon, thousands of devotees gather at 4:30 PM for the Vadam Pidithal, the act of pulling the chariot's rope, drawing the deity through the streets in a massive display of faith.
The Conclusion and Kodi Irakkuthal (Days 8–10)
As the festival nears its end, the deity appears on the Golden Horse and the Silver Peacock Vahanas. On the final day, the schedule includes the Thiruvoodal ceremony in the morning and a special Golden Chariot procession at the hill temple. The festival officially concludes on the tenth night with the Kodi Irakkuthal (lowering of the flag) and the final Navasanthi Visarjanam, signaling the end of the grand annual event as the Lord returns to the Oorkovil.