Known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, the ancient city of Madurai has long been talked about in literature. History serves us many facts and evidences for the establishment of Madurai Chithirai Festival.
The extension of the comprehensive study of these, begun by researcher D Paramasivan 40 years ago, continues unabated to this day and it is imperative of the times to reverse it now. Therefore, Madurai has always had a unique pride in the values of the culture, as rituals and festivals that uphold the unique rights of women have remained intact, says cultural researcher D Paramasivan.
The annual Chithirai festival in Madurai has maintained its reputation as the ‘festival of festivals’. According to statistics, more than 5 lakh people from all over Tamil Nadu (mostly from southern districts) visit Madurai for this festival, which cannot be reduced to a simple Saiva-Vaishnava festival.
Beginning with the hoisting of the Meenakshi temple flag and lasting a total of 16 days until the return of the “Azhagar” to the mountains, the festival undergoes a great economic cycle and social interaction.
Before the festival, special costumes and equipment for ‘Azhagar’ are purchased in the new hall, a sheepskin bag is used to spray accordion water near the float, regardless of caste, gather to see the beauty of the colorful festival.
The Covid-19 pandemic has prevented either event from taking place for the past two years. This time the Flag Hoisting Ceremony will start on April 5 at Meenakshi Amman Temple due to Covid-19 relaxations, followed by Meenakshi Pattabhishekam on April 12, Meenakshi-Sokkanathar Wedding on April 14 and Chariot Festival (Therottam) in April. 15.
In this list there is legendary background associated with Meenakshi marriage and Kallazhagar event coming to Madurai.
Why Chithirai Festival is celebrated:
The Meenakshi Amman temple festival ends in Madurai, south of the Vaigai River. The Azhagar festival is held on the banks of the Vaigai River and on the northern bank of the river. The festival is attended by a large number of townspeople and folks. The latter is a folklore festival and the people who attend it are full of devotion. They seem to live a life of simplicity. These are the kind of people who bring the Chithirai festival to life.
Read all the latest IPL 2022 news, breaking news and live updates here.
Read the original article here