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| CHITHIRAI
FESTIVAL |
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| Celebrated In
:
Madurai, Tamilnadu |
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| Duration :
10 days |
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| In the month
of :
April/May |
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| The Chithirai festival is held in the famous
Madurai temple, 500-km from Chennai. The festivity starts from the Tamil month
Chithirai (April-May) and ends on the tenth day. The celebration is filled with
pomp and festivity. |
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The Remarkable Procession
The highlight is the procession of Lord 'Kallazhagar' (Lord Vishnu) the elder
brother of Goddess Meenakshi, who proceeds from his abode - Azhagarmalai 30-km
from Madurai, to give away his sister in marriage to Lord Sundareshwar. One can
witness an ancient legend unfold right before your eyes as Lord Vishnu rides to
his sister's wedding on gleaming real-gold horse chariot. The 'Kallazhagar'
entering the river Vaigai is indeed a spectacular sight. |
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Legend
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu as Azhagar rode on a golden horse to Madurai to
the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) with Lord Sundareshwar
(Lord Shiva). |
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Celebrations
On the occasion, a decorated chariot carrying the two idols of the couple is
taken around the town to the tumultuous notes of Nadaswaram and beats of drums.
A spiritual ambience descends on Madurai. As the procession passes through the
streets and in the vicinity of the 'Devasthanam', devotees make offerings of
coconuts, flowers, camphor and Agarbattis (incense sticks). A spirit of
devotion marked by pomp and gaiety pervades right through the day. The festival
draws a mammoth crowd. A trade exhibition and fairs organized here lend
festivity to the occasion. |
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OTHER FESTIVALS AT MADURAI
The famous festivals held at Madurai, include "Teppam festival", the annual
float festival, wherein the images of Sri Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar are
mounted on floats, and taken to Mariamman Teppakkulam tank, where for several
days they are pulled back and forth across the water in the middle of the tank,
on an illuminated raft embellished with flowers, before being taken back to the
main temple. |
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