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Chithirai Festival or Chithirai Thiruvizha is an annual celebration celebrated in the city of Madurai during the month of April. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitirai. It lasts for one month of which the first 15 days mark the celebrations of the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi and the Marriage of Lord Sundareswara and Goddess Meenakshi, and the next 15 days mark the celebrations of the Journey of Lord Alagar from Kallazhagar temple in Alagar Koyil to Madurai.
Chithirai Thiruvizha is an annual festival celebrated during the month of April in the ancient city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitirai (Chaitra month of Hindu Calendar). The first 15 days of the month-long celebrations are devoted to the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi and her marriage to Lord Sundareswara. The next 15 days are dedicated to celebrating the journey of Lord Alagar from Kallazhagar temple in Alagar Koyil to Madurai.
The Madurai Meenakshi Temple and Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Alagarkoil witness a huge rush of devotees during this period. Flag hoisting at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple on April 8, in fact, marks the beginning of the Chithirai Thiruvizha festival.
History
The Chithirai Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Madurai. It goes on for around two weeks and represents a re-enactment of the wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva). The festival takes place on the 5th day of the Tamil month Chithirai (April). The Chithirai Festival takes place at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. There are also beautiful parades organized in the streets around the temple.
According to Legend, Lord Kallazhaga (Lord Vishnu), brother of Goddess Meenakshi, came mounted on a golden horse to Madurai from Azhagar Kovil to participate in the celestial wedding of his sister. However, he misses the wedding as he arrived late. Infuriated, he gets into the river and goes back home. The whole festival revolves around this legend.
Celebration
The celebrations begin with a flag hoisting ceremony, the most important celebrations happen towards the end of the festival. A chariot is decorated, which carries the two idols of the couple. It is then taken around in a procession accompanied by loud music and beats of drums. As the procession passes through the streets, devotees put forward offerings of flowers, coconuts, camphor and incense sticks. Fairs and trade exhibitions are also organized on this occasion. The festival attracts a massive crowd.
The festival is celebrated with immense excitement and the zeal of a real wedding. The celebrations spread out all over the city and the streets remain crowded with devotees. Many people from neighbouring cities and states come to witness this festival. The last five witness the coronation, the procession, the Celestial wedding of God and Goddess, the Procession of temple chariots and the Return of Lord Kallazhaga.
Tamil Nadu has been a pilgrim’s favourite for ages. This southern state of India is frequented by people seeking spiritual awakening and transformation. Travellers from across the world embark on a journey to Tamil to revel in the religious festivities. Festivals of Tamil Nadu take place throughout the year, from Pongal to Sivarathri, Good Friday to Janmashtami. Here is a list we compiled.
