The Chithirai Festival is one of the grandest annual celebrations in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is held during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May) and is closely linked with the history, culture, and religious traditions of the city. The festival attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists from all over India.
🏛️ Historical Significance
The festival is celebrated in the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous temples in South India. It commemorates the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) with Lord Sundareswarar (an incarnation of Lord Shiva).
It also includes the Chithirai Car Festival and the Kallazhagar festival, which mark the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Tamil tradition.
📅 Duration & Celebrations
The Chithirai Festival usually lasts for 30 days:
- First 15 Days (Meenakshi Thirukalyanam) – Celebrations around Goddess Meenakshi and her marriage with Lord Sundareswarar.
- Flag Hoisting (Kodiyetram): Marks the beginning.
- Meenakshi Pattabishekam: Coronation of Goddess Meenakshi as the Queen of Madurai.
- Meenakshi Tirukalyanam: The divine marriage ceremony witnessed by thousands of devotees.
- Car Festival (Therottam): The decorated temple car carrying deities is pulled by devotees around the city streets.
- Next 15 Days (Azhagar Festival) – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrated at Alagar Kovil (20 km from Madurai).
- Kallazhagar Entry into Vaigai River: Lord Kallazhagar (Vishnu) is believed to descend from Alagar Hills and enter the Vaigai River. This symbolizes the unity of Vaishnavites and Shaivites.
🌟 Key Attractions
- Celestial Wedding of Meenakshi & Sundareswarar – The spiritual highlight.
- Car Festival – The temple chariot, beautifully decorated, pulled by devotees.
- Kallazhagar Festival – A unique tradition of Lord Azhagar entering the Vaigai River.
- Cultural Events – Folk arts, classical music, and dance performances add to the grandeur.
🙏 Religious & Cultural Importance
- Promotes unity of Shaivism & Vaishnavism.
- A grand showcase of Tamil tradition, rituals, and temple architecture.
- A festival of devotion, joy, and community bonding, celebrated for over 400 years.
📍 Where it Happens
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
- Vaigai River (for Kallazhagar entry)
- Alagar Kovil (temple of Lord Vishnu, 20 km from Madurai)
