The consecration ceremony (Kumbabhishekam) of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple took place on September 17, marking the first such event in 17 years. The ritual concluded at 7:35 a.m. when holy water was poured over the temple spires and sprinkled upon the gathered devotees.
Access to the event was strictly regulated, with authorities permitting approximately 9,000 individuals—including VIPs, donors, judges, and officials—to view the ceremony from the upper levels of the temple. An additional 2,000 members of the public were granted entry through an online lottery system. To ensure security, the four Chithirai streets surrounding the temple were closed to the general public, forcing thousands who had gathered since the previous night to remain in the outer Masi and Avani Moola streets. While some were able to view the eastern tower from a distance, many expressed frustration at being barred from closer proximity.
As Minister Nirmal Kumar attempted to leave the premises by car following the ceremony, he was intercepted by a group of agitated devotees. The crowd questioned the minister, stating, "You did not come to power through the votes of VIPs alone; it is the public who voted you into office." The protesters demanded that they be allowed to view the temple towers, but the minister departed without offering a response.
Expressing their grievances, several devotees remarked, "People from all walks of life, including the poor, have traveled here, some even borrowing money to make the trip. It is deeply disappointing that we were not allowed inside to see the towers. Are only VIPs considered human? If the event was intended only for VIPs, they should have announced it beforehand, and we would not have come."
Following the ceremony, tensions escalated near the jewellery market area as crowds attempted to gain entry to the temple via the Chithirai streets. When police denied their request, leading to overcrowding, Minister Nirmal Kumar climbed a police surveillance tower to address the public. He urged the crowd to remain calm and wait until 10:00 a.m. for entry. However, the devotees rejected his appeal and began chanting slogans against the government, creating a tense situation.