The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont, Illinois, came alive as a vibrant center of devotion, culture, and community during the 25th annual Thanga Murugan Vizha (TMV). This silver jubilee, marking a quarter-century of honoring Muruga, welcomed over 1200 devotees from the Greater Chicago area, bringing them together for a two-day festival filled with spiritual discourses, musical performances, traditional folk arts, and children’s cultural displays. Supported for the fourth year in a row by INDICA, alongside other community sponsors and supporters, TMV 2025 stood as a shining tribute to the lasting faith of Muruga’s followers in the region. This year’s theme, centered on the Vadapazhani Murugan Temple and Vaariyar Swamigal, threaded a deep reverence through the celebration.
This silver jubilee celebration was not just a commemoration of tradition but an expression of faith and artistry, featuring over 250 children participating in performances by various cultural groups from around the Midwest region.
The weekend unfolded across the following program segments:
- Paal Kudam and Kaavadi
- Little Muruga Show, very popular among kids
- Captivating rendition of Villupattu, by the local devotees and
- Spiritual discourses by chief guests Sri. So. So .Mee. Sundaram and Smt. U. E. Sinddhuja
- Performances by various cultural groups
Together, these elements blended devotion, education, and entertainment that resonated with attendees of all ages.
The day started with the singing of Sri Murugan Thirupalliezhuchi – a special tamil devotional song to gently wake Murugan. This is a tradition in many Murugan temples, where devotees sing these verses early in the morning to start the day’s worship. Following this was Ganesha pooja, a prayer to Ganesha to bless the day and clear the way for TMV 2025’s auspicious start.
Paal Kudam and Kaavadi
Carrying milk in Paal Kudam is a heartfelt offering to seek Murugan’s grace, the milk later poured over the deity in a sacred Abhishegam, while bearing Kaavadi fulfills vows of gratitude for prayers answered. On March 22nd, TMV 2025 opened with the Paal Kudam procession, where around 160 devotees – men, women, and a few children – balanced milk pots atop their heads, circling the temple with steady, reverent strides. This year’s turnout was the largest in TMV history, a striking display of devotion. The Kaavadi procession followed, with over two dozen participants shouldering ornate frames in thanksgiving. The morning culminated in Abhishegam and Alangaram to Sri Valli Devasena Sametha Subramanya Swamy even as the temple reverberated with Murugan’s devotional hymns and the stirring Skandha Sashti Kavacham chanted by the devotees.
Little Muruga Show
A beloved tradition for two decades, the Little Muruga Show delights children and families alike, revealing the divine spark in their innocence. 
A beloved tradition for two decades, the Little Muruga Show delights children and families alike, revealing the divine spark in their innocence. This year, over two dozen kids (and adults) donned vibrant costumes as Muruga, his consorts Valli and Devasena, 
and his divine kin, enacting his sacred tales. Curated by Dr. Lalitha Subramaniam, the show embraced a pilgrimage theme, with devotees journeying to Muruga’s arupadai veedu (six abodes) aboard the “Arunagiri Travels.
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The adventure peaked with a medley of Thirupugazh titled Thirupugazhin Then Thuligal. Clad in colorful attire – some wielding tiny spears, others adorned with flower garlands – the kids stood proudly on stage. Parents, brimming with pride, played a vital role, their joy evident as they watched from the sidelines.
Villupattu
Villupattu has been a cherished part of TMV since 2015, bringing lively tamil folk art from Tirunelveli district to prominence in Chicago. It mixes storytelling with music, using a bow called a villu decorated with bells that jingle with every beat.
This year, the Chicago Villupattu team performed Tharu Oongu Chennaiyil Thalam Oongum Vada Pazhani. One person led the storytelling, striking the villu to keep the rhythm, while the others chimed in with replies or questions, making it fun and full of life.
The story centered on Vadapazhani Murugan, sharing his tales in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoy, a tradition that teaches and entertains at the same time. The sound of the bells and the team’s voices filled the temple, drawing in the crowd with its warm, playful energy, keeping Murugan’s stories alive in a special way.
Curated by Smt. Kuzhali Muthu, the rest of the team is composed of Smt. Bhuvaneswari Bhattar, Smt. Hemalatha Prabakaran, Smt. Jagatheeswari Selvam, Smt. Kalai Somu, Smt. Malathi Ashokkumar, Smt. Meenakshi Siva, Smt. Subadradevi Ramasami, and Smt. Varalakshmi Venkataraman. This team has been performing this diligently for the last decade.
Special Discourses by Sri. So. So. Mee. Sundaram and Smt. U. E. Sinddhuja
The discourses cast a profound spiritual glow, delivered over two days by esteemed guests from India.
Sri. So. So. Mee. Sundaram, a spiritual speaker and Tamil scholar, spoke on Varuvaan Vadivelan on Saturday and Vaariyaar Vazhvil Valli Manaalan on Sunday.
In Varuvaan Vadivelan, he recounted a tale of a woman whose chant of Thirumurugaatrupadai (an ancient poem by Nakeerar praising Murugan’s six abodes) transformed a betel leaf stalk into a spear to thwart a thief – an ode to Murugan’s protection. He also shared a personal anecdote of a peacock listening attentively beside him in Malaysia. On Sunday’s talk titled Vaariyaar Vazhvil Valli Manaalan, he explored Thirumuruga Kripananda Vaariyar’s life and Murugan’s help with the Vadaloore temple.
The TMV Organizing Committee honored him with an award titled “பழுதில் இறைநிலை பரப்பும் பண்டிதன்” (“The Scholar Who Spreads Pure Blemishless Divinity”) for his enduring impact.
Smt. U. E. Sinddhuja, with her musical touch, presented Valli Kalyanam on Saturday, narrating Murugan’s courtship of Valli at Vallimalai on Saturday, and Sarvam Subrahmaniyam on Sunday, sharing tales of devotees blessed by him, closing with a lively kummi song that sparked a dance by members of the audience with kummi kolattam sticks.
The TMV Organizing Committee honored her with an award titled “ஹரிகதா ஹரிணி” (“Harikatha Harini” or
“Graceful Exponent of Harikatha”)) for her performance and influence over the years.
Cultural Programs
The cultural programs carried a special warmth, celebrating 25 years of the event with a sentimental touch that connected the crowd. Smt. Niveta Chandrasekhar, a regular performer since inception, sang during the opening ceremony on March 22nd, her voice bringing back sweet memories of her various performances since her childhood from 2001. The milestone of a quarter-century honoring Murugan felt alive in her songs, tying the past to the present. Her performance reminded everyone of the love and tradition that’s grown over 25 years, making it a cherished moment in the two-day celebration.
Across the two days, children and adults danced to vibrant Carnatic and devotional rhythms, their steps extolling Muruga’s grace, while singers offered soulful tributes to his strength and love. Dancers spun tales of Murugan through every gesture, their joy palpable.
Students and their gurus/teachers from many dance theaters and music academies in the area have been the stalwarts of TMV’s cultural legacy for over two decades. They kept the temple alive with faith and festivity, making this milestone unforgettable.
Here’s a sample of performances for you to relish.
Commitment from the TMV Organizing Committee
On the auspicious 25th anniversary of Thanga Murugan Vizha, the organizing committee has pledged to donate a Silver Pallaku for the temple’s use.
Several Muruga devotees donated for this cause during the two day event.
The temple and the committee is seeking donations from Murugan devotees from all over the world in this regard.
Here’s the flyer that contains donation details.
Interested devotees may donate directly using the QR code or the link in the flyer.
Conclusion
As the 25th Thanga Murugan Vizha (TMV) drew to a close, the TMV Organizing Committee offered their heartfelt thanks to the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago management and its devoted staff. They expressed deep gratitude to the kitchen team, who tirelessly prepared prasadam and meals; the priests, the audio and video crew who ensured every moment resonated clearly; the logistics personnel, whose coordination kept the event seamless; and the countless volunteers, whose selfless efforts uplifted the celebration.
“Such grand celebrations are made possible only through unwavering dedication, devotion and support of our patrons” said Venkat Subramaniam, a volunteer for the event.
“Our invited speakers drew unwavering attention both days. Everyone who came for the first time was impressed.” said another long-time volunteer.
The collective support made TMV 2025 a memorable silver jubilee, a true milestone of faith and community. The TMV volunteer team, buzzing with energy, is pumped up to carry this tradition beyond 25 years, eager to keep Murugan’s stories and devotion alive for many more celebrations to come.
(Note: The author of this event report is one of the National Convenors for INDICA in the US, and serves as a volunteer for the event. INDICA is very glad to support the event for the fourth year in a row.)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article belong to the author. Indic Today is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in the article.
