Thanjavur, July 10, 2013: The Ashada Navaratri festival commenced on July 7 at the Big Temple.

The deity, Varahi Amman, would be bedecked in various alankarams during the 10-day festival which ends on July 17. On the first day, she was decorated with ornaments made of sweets. The following days she had turmeric and vermillon alankaram. On July 10, sandal alankaram; July 11: coconut kernel alankaram; July 12: pomegranate alankaram; July 13: navathanya alankaram; July 14: butter alankaram: July 15: fruits alankaram; July 16: vegetable alankaram; and July 17: flower alankaram. 

Source: The Hindu, July 10, 2013.