Chithirai Festival 2026 – Madurai Meenakshi Thirukalyanam

Full Date

19 April 2026 Morning 6:00 AM – 30 April 2026 Night 11:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam

  The celestial wedding ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar observed on April 28, 2026.

  28 April 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 28 April 2026 4:00 PM

• Kallazhagar’s Entry to Vaigai

  Lord Kallazhagar’s symbolic entry into the Vaigai River to offer blessings and gifts, celebrated with massive devotion.

  30 April 2026 7:00 AM – 30 April 2026 10:00 AM

Introduction

The Chithirai Festival, also known as Chithirai Thiruvizha, is one of South India’s grandest temple festivals held at the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The festival celebrates the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi (Shakti) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), as well as the arrival of her brother, Lord Kallazhagar (Vishnu), representing the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Other Names

Chithirai Thiruvizha, Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, Madurai Festival

Pooja Vidhi

• Temples are cleansed and decorated with mango leaves, kolam, and garlands.
• Idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are adorned with gold ornaments for procession.
• Devotees chant Meenakshi Pancharatnam and Shiva Puja mantras.
• During Thirukalyanam, priests perform rituals symbolizing divine union amid Vedic recitations.
• After the ceremony, Annadanam (free meal) is served to thousands of devotees.

Rituals

• The festival begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting at Meenakshi Temple (Kodi Yetram).
• The wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar (Thirukalyanam) takes place on the 10th day amid Vedic chants and celebrations.
• On subsequent days, Lord Kallazhagar arrives from Azhagar Kovil on a golden horse and reaches the Vaigai River.
• Processions with flower-decked temple chariots and traditional musicians fill Madurai’s streets.
• Devotees offer coconuts, flowers, camphor, and gifts along the processional route.

Regional Highlights

• Celebrated primarily in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, attracting over a million devotees each year.
• Meenakshi Temple is illuminated with oil lamps, floral decorations, and temple music.
• The festival unites devotees of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions in a single spiritual event.
• Fairs, exhibitions, and nighttime fireworks add joy to the festivities.

History

According to legend, Devi Meenakshi, a Pandya princess born from fire, was destined to marry Lord Shiva. Their wedding in Madurai symbolizes the harmony between human and divine love. Lord Vishnu, as her brother Kallazhagar, arrives from Azhagar Kovil to bless the couple but arrives late, stopping at the Vaigai River where he offers gifts. The annual re-enactment of these events forms the essence of this festival.

Additional Information

• Chithirai marks the beginning of the Tamil New Year, making the festival both spiritual and cultural.
• The festival showcases the rich temple traditions and heritage of Tamil Nadu.
• The harmony of Lord Shiva (Shaivism) and Lord Vishnu (Vaishnavism) signifies religious unity and peace.