Jallikattu(Taming the Bull) (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.
Chithirai Festival (April/May)
Several festivals are held throughout the year in Madurai. These festivals attract crowds from far and wide and by far represent some of the grandest celebrations of the Indian subcontinent.
The annual Bhramhotsavam celebrated in the month of Chittirai (Aries) is the most important one and it ties in the legends related to the Madurai temple such as the coronation of Meenakshi, the Divine marriage etc. The Chittirai festival also coincides with the annual festival at Tirumaaliruncholai. The Divine marriage involves a procession of deities from Tirupparamkunram as well, and hence during this time the entire area in and around Madurai is transformed into one of a great celebratory space.
The Chittirai festival begins on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Chittirai. The key events fall on the 8th, 9th and the 10th days of the festival. The eighth day of the Chittirai festival witnesses the coronation of Meenakshi and procession on silver thrones, while the 9th day is the digvijaya festival. The 10th day (Chitra Purnima) marks the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
Legend has it that Vishnu gave his sister away in marriage to Shiva. In commemoration of this legend, an image of Vishnu is brought in procession from Tirupparamkunram to Madurai. Since Subramanya is the presiding deity of the Tirupparamkunram temple, an image of Subramanya leads the procession. Following the wedding, images of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are taken out in a grand procession on a palanquin and a silver elephant respectively. (It is to be noted that the Tirukkalyaanam festival is celebrated on Chitra Pournami in all Shiva temples celebrating the annual Bhramhotsavam in the month of Chittirai).
During this time, Kallazhagar from Azhagar Koyil (Tirumaaliruncholai) makes a visit to Vandiyur, near the Vaigai river, on the eastern outskirts of Madurai. It is believed that Kallazhagar realizes that he is too late for his sisters wedding, so refuses to cross the river and returns disappointed to Azhagar koyil.
Historically, the chittirai festival used to be celebrated in Maasi, hence the festival processions use the Maasi streets. The festival apparently was moved to the month of Chittirai in the period of the Naik kings so that the timing would synchronize with that of Azhagar Koyil.
The Ther (chariot) festival is celebrated on the 11th day of the annual festival.
Float Festival
Thirumalai Naick built the beautiful Teppakulam on the eastern end of Madurai. Then he organised a festival. This takes place in January – February. In the morning the idols of Sree Meenakshi Lord Sundareswarar are taken to the Teppakulam (Float Tank). There the deities are placed in a decorated float. Then this float is drawn by ropes by devotees standing on the four roads around the tank. After this the deities are placed in the Mayya (Central) Mandapam Devotees go by boats and workship them. In the night the same process of dragging the deities in the float is repeated. At about midnight, Sree Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are carried back to the temple.
Pongal Festival
Pongal festival is popularly known as the Harvest Festival. The three-day festival is celebrated to thank the Sun, the nature and the cattle for giving the farmers a good harvest. Pongal is one of the major festivals of Madurai and is celebrated with great pomp and show. On the first day, known as Bogi, the houses are freshly painted and clutter is removed. The second day is the main day on which large-scale celebrations take place. Mango leaves are used for decoration. Sugarcanes and pongal (sweet rice) are the main culinary items. The third day is called Mattu Pongal and on this day, cattle are worshipped for bringing prosperity.
Festival of the Cradle
During this festival, Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundarewarer are taken in a procession to a mirror chamber. Here, they are placed on a swing for nine days which rocks slowly.
Avanimoolam Festival
The festival takes place in August/September. It is basically organized to celebrate the coronation of Lord Sundareswarer. Priests narrate mythological stories of Siva through a play called 'Lila'. It includes the recitation of 64 miracles of Siva, which saved the city from adversity. The venue of the celebrations is the Sundareswarer Temple.
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