Chithirai fest begins in Madurai, celestial wedding on April 17

The celestial flag was ceremoniously hoisted atop the gold plated 56-feet tall flag mast (dwajasthambam) of Lord Sundareswarar amidst chanting of Vedic hymns by the temple priests which was also accompanied by the traditional temple band. The priests performed the deeparadhana to the flag mast. A large number of devotees, who gathered at the temple, witnessed the ceremony.

The idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were brought in silver palanquins to the Kambathadi Mandapam, where special pujas were performed to the deities before the ceremonial flag hoisting event.

As part of the Chithirai festival, the Meenakshi Pattabishekam (coronation for the goddess Meenakshi) will take place on April 15 and the famous Thirukkalyanam (celestial wedding event) will be held on April 17.

The temple car festival was slated on April 18, followed by the spectacular event of Lord Kallazhagar entering into River Vaigai on April 19. According to sources, 216 cubic feet of water would be released from the Vaigai dam three days ahead of the Lord Kallazhagar entering the river in Madurai. The Hindu Religious and Endowment Department officials have installed 20 LED screens around the temple to telecast live the events. Also, 1,050 CCTV cameras would be installed in the district as Lok Sabha elections is scheduled on April 18, the day when temple car festival will also be held.

In temples across the district, including Meenakshi Amman temple and Tiruparankundram temple, volunteers would spread the importance of voting.