Madurai Chithirai Festival 2026 Schedule Released

The world-famous Chithirai Festival, celebrated every year with great grandeur in Madurai, will begin on April 19, 2026, with the traditional flag hoisting ceremony and conclude on May 5, 2026, when Lord Kallazhagar returns to Thirumaliruncholai. Centered around the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, the festival’s most significant highlights include the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, as well as the iconic event of Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River. Thousands of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu, across India, and even from abroad are expected to gather in Madurai to witness and participate in these celebrations.

Considered a cultural and spiritual symbol of Madurai, the Chithirai Festival is the largest annual celebration of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Ahead of the festival, temple authorities, district administration, and the police department typically begin extensive preparations, including security arrangements, traffic regulation, and facilities for the large number of devotees visiting the city. During the festival days, the entire city of Madurai transforms into a vibrant spiritual center, with grand processions of the deities taking place along major streets on different traditional vahanams (sacred mounts).

Key Events of the Chithirai Festival

The 2026 Chithirai Festival will begin with the ceremonial flag hoisting on April 19. One of the most important events of the festival, the Meenakshi–Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding), will take place on April 28. This will be followed by the grand temple chariot procession (Therottam) on April 29, after which Lord Kallazhagar will begin his journey toward Madurai. On May 1, the much-awaited event of Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River on the Golden Horse Vahanam will take place. The festival will conclude on May 5 when Lord Kallazhagar returns to the Thirumaliruncholai Temple.

Madurai Chithirai Festival 2026 – Event Schedule

Temple authorities have urged devotees to participate in the festival in an orderly manner and follow the safety instructions issued by officials during the large gatherings expected throughout the celebrations.