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Chithirai Festival

29th April, 2024 Culture and Heritage

Chithirai Festival

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Context

  • Thousands of devotees witnessed Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai river as part of the Chithirai festival.

Details

  • The Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, also known as Chithirai Tiruviḻa or Meenakshi Kalyanam, is an annual Tamil Hindu celebration held in Madurai during the month of April.
  • Occurring in the Tamil month of Chithirai, the festival is deeply rooted in the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and her consort Sundareshvara, a form of Shiva.
  • Lasting for one month, the festival begins with the coronation of Meenakshi as the divine ruler of Madurai and her marriage to Sundareshvara, celebrated over the first 15 days.
  • The subsequent 15 days honor the journey of Kallaḻagar or Aḻagar, a form of Vishnu, from his temple to the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What deity is celebrated during the Chithirai festival in Tamil Nadu?

a) Vishnu

b) Meenakshi

c) Murugan

d) Ganesha

Answer b) Meenakshi

SOURCE: THE HINDU