Excavations near the Vaigai River in Madurai have brought to light a series of sophisticated brick-lined tanks dating to the Sangam Period. These structures appear to have been designed for ritual bathing and water-pouring ceremonies, potentially serving as the ancient precursor to the modern Chithirai Festival. The layout of the tanks corresponds with descriptions in ancient Tamil literature regarding communal river-blessing rites.
Artifacts found within the silt layers of the tanks include small terracotta lamps and floral-patterned offering bowls. The discovery suggests that the tradition of gathering by the river to celebrate the arrival of the spring harvest and the divine marriage of local deities has a history spanning two millennia. This find reinforces the deep continuity of cultural and religious traditions in the Tamil Nadu region.