On May 1, International Workers’ Day was marked with a unique tribute at the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple in Madurai, where fans of Rajinikanth celebrated Labour Day with a Baashha-themed setup. The temple, maintained by a fan named Karthik, displayed a large cutout of the superstar in his iconic auto-driver look from Baashha, using the image to symbolise the dignity and struggles of working-class people.
The celebration was designed especially to honour workers, and Karthik said the theme was chosen because Labour Day holds special significance for auto drivers and other daily earners. He explained that Rajinikanth’s Baashha character was a fitting tribute, as the role reflects strength, resilience and the pride associated with labour. Fans and devotees gathered at the temple to participate in the rituals and to offer prayers for the wellbeing and prosperity of workers across the country
#WATCH | Madurai, Tamil Nadu: May Day was celebrated with special prayers at Shri Arulmigu Rajini Kovil. pic.twitter.com/5307L4w0Jn
— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2026
The observance followed traditional temple customs. Special abhishekam rituals were performed using 16 sacred items, including milk, rose water, curd and tender coconut, followed by deeparadhana. Sweets were also distributed to labourers and visitors who came to take part in the celebration. The temple’s Labour Day arrangement also included visual elements inspired by workers’ tools, reinforcing the message of hard work and dignity.
Karthik said Rajinikanth is treated by devotees as a family deity, and the temple regularly conducts annadanam and other charitable activities in the actor’s name. He added that the celebrations were inspired by Rajinikanth’s own life journey, from being a labourer and bus conductor to becoming one of India’s biggest superstars. According to him, films like Mannan, Uzhaippali and Baashha have long reflected working-class struggles, making them apt choices for a Labour Day tribute.
The special observance drew attention because it blended devotion, cinema and social respect for workers in a deeply Tamil cultural setting. For fans, the tribute was not just about Rajinikanth the star, but also about the values of grit and dignity that his most iconic roles continue to represent.