IN PICS: 12-Day Masi Festival Begins With Flag Hoisting At TN's Tiruchendur

Following this, devotees, officials from the HR&CE department, temple trustees thronged the temple and witnessed the proceedings unfold at 5:20 AM (Credit: ABP Nadu)

After the sanctum sanctorum was opened, various rituals, including abhishekam and aradhana, were conducted for the deity. (Credit: ABP Nadu)

Throughout the 12-day festival, daily processions of the Lord will take place. (Credit: ABP Nadu)

The highlight of the festival, theppam or temple float festival, is scheduled for February 23. (Credit: ABP Nadu)

A significant number of devotees also took a cleansing dip in the sea and sought blessings from the Lord during the flag-raising ceremony. (Credit: ABP Nadu)