Plan your sacred journey to the Grand Temples of South India
Chithirai Festival in Madurai, Meenakshi Kalyanam and Kallazhagar
Chithirai Thiruvizha is Madurai's great festival in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April to May). It celebrates the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, and Kallazhagar's journey from Alagar Kovil, which devotees believe brings him to the wedding.
What happens
- Meenakshi is crowned queen of Madurai in the Pattabhishekam, then sets out to conquer the world in the Digvijayam.
- The Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, her wedding to Sundareswarar, is held inside the temple and is the heart of the ten-day festival.
- The day after the wedding, the deities ride the temple chariots round the Masi streets.
- Kallazhagar comes in procession from Alagar Kovil, is welcomed in the Ethir Sevai, and enters the Vaigai on horseback, around the Chithirai full moon.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in, en.wikipedia.org · checked 30 Oct 2026
Where families go
- Timings and guide
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai
The temple holds the ten-day Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival, with the wedding inside the temple and the chariot round the streets outside.
Other places families use
- Kallazhagar Temple, Alagar Kovil (Tamil Nadu): Kallazhagar sets out from here on his procession to Madurai and the Vaigai.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · checked 30 Oct 2026
When to go
The festival falls in Chithirai (April to May). The district says it is celebrated on the Chithirai full moon, with the wedding and chariot in the days before.
| Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Apr 2027Tue | Chithirai full moon 2027 | The full moon runs from 4:51 am on 20 Apr to 3:56 am on 21 Apr 2027. The temple has not published its 2027 schedule. |
Sources: madurai.nic.in, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Before you go
- BookingIn 2026 seats to watch the wedding went by online application and a computer draw. The 2027 process is not announced; apply only through the temple's HR&CE channels.
- What to carryFor the 2026 wedding, photo ID was checked at the gate and small children and heavy bags were restricted.
- Good to knowThe temple says daily puja times can change during festivals, so check its site before each day's visit.
Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.
Sources: oneindia.com, maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in · checked 30 Oct 2026
Questions Families Ask
What is Meenakshi Kalyanam?
It is the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, held inside the Madurai temple during the Chithirai festival. The chariot procession follows the next day.
When is the Chithirai festival in Madurai in 2027?
The temple has not published 2027 dates. The Chithirai full moon falls on 20 Apr 2027, and the wedding and chariot come in the days before it.
How do I get tickets for Meenakshi Thirukalyanam?
In 2026 seats went by online application and a draw, with photo ID checked at the gate. Watch the temple's HR&CE site for the 2027 process.
When does Kallazhagar enter the Vaigai?
Around the Chithirai full moon, which falls on 20 Apr 2027. The exact 2027 day is not yet confirmed.
Plan your trip for Chithirai festival, Madurai
Opens with this temple already added. See each day with darshan hours, drive times and rough costs.
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