 His followers were from parts of south Tamil Nadu.On the 19th day of the Tamil month of Masi (March 3, 1839), Ayya returned to Swamithoppu Pathi.Ayya and his followers reached Awamithoppu on the 20th day of Masi, now an auspicious day amongst Ayya's devotees celebrated with a procession and a public holiday in south Tamil Nadu.