Madurai festivals form an integral part of the society of the city. Pongal, Festival of Cradle, Dance Festival, Avanimoolam Festival, Jallikattu, Navarathri Festival and Chithirai Festival are some of the major festivals of the city that are celebrated with pomp and show.
- Pongal – Pongal is one of the principle festivals of Madurai. It is a harvest festival that is celebrated in January in order to pay tribute to the Sun God. Pongal is a three-day festival. The first day of the festival is called Bogi; whereas the second and third days are known as Pongal and Mattu Pongal respectively. On the first day, the people of Madurai paint their house. The second day is marked by festoons of mango leaves, as well as with sugarcanes. On the third day, the people of the city pay tribute to the cattle.
- Chithirai Festival – Chithirai Festival is celebrated between the months of April and May. In fact, the festival is observed on the full moon day of Chithirai (according to the Tamil calendar). It is said that during this time Lord Vishnu came to attend the wedding of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi.
- Avanimoolam Festival – Avanimoolam Festival celebrates the coronation of Lord Shiva. During this festival, a play is performed. The temple priest narrates the stories of Lord Shiva on this occasion. The priest narrates the story of the miracles of Lord Sundareswarar that protected the city.
- Navarathri
- Dance Festival
- Festival of the Cradle
- Jallikattu
- Float Festival
Last Updated on 9/15/2011
