| Madurai's Chithirai Festival observed with great joy and | | | | of ceremonial drums and the lively music of the |
| spectacle is held over a period of ten days in April and | | | | Nadaswaram. An ambience of deep spirituality |
| May according to the western calendar. In the Tamil | | | | envelopes Madurai during this time, as the pageant |
| calendar, the event falls on the full moon day of the | | | | travels through the avenues of the town, religious |
| initial month, known as Chithirai. This Madurai Festival | | | | devotees offer flowers, coconuts, incense and |
| primarily honours God Vishnu. | | | | camphor. Along with the spirit of great devotion the |
| The most important aspect of the festival is the | | | | inhabitants of the town express great joy and |
| ceremonial procession featuring Lord Kallazhaghar | | | | celebration on the occasion, taking the opportunity to |
| (another name for God Vishnu). According to legend, | | | | celebrate the event with fervent belief and hope. An |
| God Vishnu in the guise of Azhagar traveled to | | | | immense throng of believers take part in the event, |
| Madurai astride a golden horse to attend the heavenly | | | | and special fairs and trade exhibitions add to the |
| wedding of his younger sister Goddess Meenakshi | | | | appeal of the festivities. |
| (also known as Parvati) with Lord Sundareshwar (a | | | | Other Hindu festivals are also celebrated in Madurai, |
| title of God Shiva). | | | | notably the ‘Teppam Festival', the yearly festival of |
| This ancient legend is portrayed in the Chithirai Festival | | | | floats, where the statues of Lord Sundareshwar and |
| procession with the idol of God Vishnu being carried | | | | Goddess Meenakshi, placed on floats, are taken to the |
| from its residence Azhargamalai (located 30km away) | | | | local tank where they are dragged back and forth on |
| to Madurai in a shining golden chariot. The exquisite | | | | the water on a decorated raft. |
| design of the elements in the procession, make it an | | | | For the traveler assessing Madurai hotels, there is no |
| unforgettable sight. | | | | finer choice than the The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai |
| Later a richly adorned chariot bearing the idols of the | | | | Madurai. This well appointed accommodation offers an |
| celestial wedded couple is carried through the roads of | | | | array of amenities to meet the needs of any visitor. |
| the town in grand manner accompanied by the beat | | | | |