
Thanjavur district has declared a local holiday on March 2 for the Masi Magam festival, with major celebrations centred in Kumbakonam. Despite the closure of government offices and educational institutions, Class XII language examinations will proceed as scheduled at 118 centres, with 26,854 regular and 637 private candidates appearing. Institutions observing the holiday will function on March 14. Thousands of devotees have gathered for rituals, including theerthavari at the Mahamagam Tank.