Poochoridal
The ceremony marks the showering of flowers on Samayapurathu Mariamman. Poochorithal festival is a 28-day long festival celebrated annually over the centuries, starting from the last Sunday of the Tamil Month, Maasi ( March in Gregorian Calendar), and going up to the last Sunday of ‘Panguni.’
The highlight of the annual festival would be that the Moolavar, the Shakti, deviating from the beaten religious track, would fast for four weeks in order to safeguard the interests of her countless devotees. This is the only temple in the country where the Moolavar herself, instead of devotees, is fasting for the sake of her devotees. During the period of Amman fasting, the Shakti will not be offered the usual Neiveidyams (offerings of cooked items), but only light drinks such as tender coconut, sugar candy, jiggery water, and butter milk.
The fasting (locally known as Pachai Pattini Viratham) will be observed by the Amman to ward off the negative spell emanating from Her torture of Mayasuran, the villain of the righteous in the religious context. To mark the occasion, hundreds of locals carried baskets of flowers through the Rajaveedhis of Samayapuram followed by the ritual procession of temple elephants. The temple and its vicinity wears a festive look with thousands of devotees participating in the event and taking blessings of Amman.
In March 2025, residents of the Frisco and Dallas area had the rare opportunity to attend this Poochoridhal festival every Sunday. Many experienced this spiritual event for the first time. Devotees showered Amman with flowers and neem leaves and sought her blessings for healing and protection. This festival serves as a reminder that Amman, who fasts for her followers, desires nothing in return but unwavering, true devotion.