The 10-day Aani Thirumanjanam festival began with flag hoisting at Sri Sabanayagar temple, popularly known as Sri Natarajar temple in Chidambaram on Monday, amid chanting of hymns and special pujas.

The flag was hoisted after special pujas were performed to the presiding deities Lord Natarajar and Goddess Sivagami Sundari, and the flag mast. Hundreds of devotees witnessed the rituals held at 7 a.m.

The highlights of the festival, include car procession on July 1 and Aani Thirumanjanam festivities on July 2. This is one of the two important annual 10-day festivals, when Lord Nataraja is taken out around the four car streets in the temple town, the other being Arudra Darshan.