The Kalikambal temple located in the crowded business
district of Chennai observes several festivals throughout the year.
Fridays in general are considered to be of
significance here. Of greater significance are Fridays in the tamil months of Thai
(Capricorn) and Aadi (Cancer).
The annual Bhramotsavam
lasting for a period of 10 days is celebrated in the tamil month of Vaikasi (May 15 - June
15). The Vasantotsavam of the spring festival follows this celebration.
The Vasanta Navaratri and the Navaratri
festival involve the decoration of the mahamandapam in front of east facing shrine (of the
processional image) with a unique facade lined with metal cymbals similar to those used in
the kinnitter (or the chariot of cymbals) again unique to this temple.
The 10 day Margazhi
festival in the month of Saggitarius (Dec 15 - Jan 14) involves the
procession of an image of Manikkavacakar for a 10 day period, culminating
in Arudra Darisanam, when the image of Nataraja is taken
out in procession in the early morning hours, and the image of Kalikambal is taken out in
procession in the evening.
The Maasi Makam festival involves a procession of the
deity to the seashore. The float festival celebrated once during prosperous times involved
a procession in the month of Capricorn, three days after the full moon to the
Kachabeswarar temple tank in the vicinity. Several other minor festivals are celebrated
throughout the year.