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Festivals in Madurai
January Pongal or the Harvest
Festival is celebrated by way of paying tribute to the Sun, Nature and
cattle for helping them with a rich harvest. The 3 day festival is celebrated
with great pomp and splendour. Bogi is celebrated the first day. Homes
are given a fresh lick of paint and old articles are removed. January The most popular sport in Tamil Nadu is part of the pongal celebrations. This gave of valour is held in the villages with great pomp and splendor though only as a popular sport. People from the neighbouring villages throng the open grounds to watch man and beast pitting their strength against each other. April/May It is
celebrated every year on the Full moon day of the Tamil Month Chithirai.
(April/May).
Legend says that Lord Vishnu, as Alagar, rode on a golden horse to Madurai
to attend the celestial wedding of Goddes Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar
(Lord Siva). This festival is marked by solemnity and serenity. During the festival
the deities - Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Siva) are
taken in procession to a mirror chamber. For nine days they are on a swing,
which rocks gently.
This festival during
September celebrates the coronation of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Siva).
A “Lila” or play is performed where the temple priest recite
the stories of Lord Siva in 64 miracles, which protected the city of Madurai
from adversity. Navarathri ( Nine nights) festival This festival is held
in honour of Goddess Meenakshi in all her forms, which embody fury, compassion
and wisdom. During this nine day festival, Goddess Meenakshi is offered
nine varieties of rice meals and nine varieties of flowers.
January/ March/ November/ December
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