Every year in the Tamil month of Chithirai, the Chitrai Festival, also known as the Chithirai Tiruviḻa or Meenakshi Kalyanam, is celebrated in Madurai with great pomp and devotion. During April, the Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival is celebrated. The festival is related to the goddess Meenakshi and Sundareshvara. Goddess Meenakshi is another form of Parvati, while Sundareshvara is the other form of Lord Shiva.
The Chithrai Festival is celebrated across Madurai for a month each year. During the first 15 days, devotees coronate goddess Meenakshi as the age-old divine ruler of the place, Madurai. In the first 15 days, her marriage with Sundareshvara is also celebrated. In the next 15 days, the journey of Kallalagar or Algar from his temple to Meenakshi Amman Temple is celebrated. Kallalagar is another form of Lord Vishnu.
It is one of the most awaited festivals of Madurai. The festival is held in Madurai on the south bank. The other place is the north bank of Alagharmalai Kallazakar. Madurai is known to be one of the most religious cities in India. The festival is organized in the collaboration of The Hindu Religious Charities Department and the Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.
This year, the Chithrai festival started with flag hoisting on Vakurpirai Chaturthi. The golden flag tree in front of the Swami shrine was decorated with the flag having an image of Rishabha Vahana. Chandrashekhar Swami was taken out in procession after the Yagasala Pujas were completed. The possession went through the four Raja Streets in Thanjavur.
A Bharatanatyam dance program was also organized. Students from different schools performed Bharatnatyam to the divine song played live by musicians. The devotees enjoyed the Bharatnatyam performance with great enjoyment.
Devotees have been seen wearing masks, wearing outfits resembling the goddess. People in their traditional outfits have gathered to enjoy this month-long festival.
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On April 19, the main event, Meenakshi Pattabhishekam will be held followed by Meenakshi Thirukalyana Vaipavam on April 21. The festival will continue till April 23.
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