Chithirai Thiruvizha 2026 – Madurai Festival Dates, Rituals & Travel Guide

The Chithirai Thiruvizha, celebrated in Madurai during the Tamil month of Chitirai (April–May), is one of the longest festivals in the world, lasting for a full month. The first half honors Goddess Meenakshi, while the second half celebrates Lord Alagar (Vishnu). Together, they symbolize the union of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, making this festival a unique cultural and spiritual spectacle.

Meenakshi Festival (April 19 – April 30, 2026)

Day 1 – April 19 (Sunday)

Morning: Chithirai Thiruvizha Kodiyetram (Flag Hoisting)
Velli Simhasanam Vahanam
Night: 7 pm – 10.30 pm – Karpaga Vriksha, Simha Vahanam

Day 2 – April 20 (Monday)

Morning: 7 am – 9.30 am – Thanga Chaparam
Night: 7 pm – 10.30 pm – Bootha, Anna Vahanam

Day 3 – April 21 (Tuesday)

Morning: Thanga Chaparam
Night: Kailasa Parvadham, Kamadhenu Vahanam

Day 4 – April 22 (Wednesday)

Morning & Night: Thanga Pallakku

Day 5 – April 23 (Thursday)

Morning: Thanga Chaparam
Night: Thanga Guthirai Vahanam – Vedar Pari Leelai

Day 6 – April 24 (Friday)

Morning: Thanga Chaparam
Evening: Thirugnanasambandar Leelai (depicted by Odhuvar)
Night: Rishaba Vahanam (Thanga & Velli Rishabam)

Day 7 – April 25 (Saturday)

Morning: Sri Gangalanathar procession, Thanga Chaparam
Noon: Swami Ambal Ezhuntharulal inside temple
Night: Nantheekeshwarar, Yaali Vahanam

Day 8 – April 26 (Sunday)

Morning: Thanga Pallakku
Evening: Sree Meenakshi Pattabhishekam
Night: Velli Simhasana Ula

Day 9 – April 27 (Monday)

Morning: Maravarna Chaparam
Evening/Night: Sree Meenakshi Digvijayam – Indira Vimana Ula

Day 10 – April 28 (Tuesday) – Thirukalyanam

Morning: Velli Simhasanam
Processions: Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swami & Pavala Kanivai Perumal
Kanni Oonjal
Sree Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Thirukalyanam (Divine Wedding)
Night: Thanga Ambaari, Pushpa Pallakku

Day 11 – April 29 (Wednesday) – Therottam (Chariot Festival)

Ratharohanam & Thiruther Vadampidithal
Night: Sapthavarna Chapram

Day 12 – April 30 (Thursday)

Noon: Theertham in Potramarai Kulam – Devendra Poojai
Night: Velli Rishabam Sevai
Farewell rituals for Subramanya Swami & Pavala Kanivai Perumal

Alagar Festival (April 27 – May 6, 2026)

Day 1 – April 27 (Monday)

Kalalagar Kodai Urchavam begins
Evening: Tholukkiniyan Vahanam

Day 2 – April 28 (Tuesday)

Evening: Tholukkiniyan Vahanam

Day 3 – April 29 (Wednesday)

Morning: Tholukkiniyan Vahanam
Night: Kalalagar Thirukolam, Thanga Pallakku, Madurai Purapaduthal

Day 4 – April 30 (Thursday) – Edhir Sevai

Morning: Moondru Maavadi Ethir Sevai
Night: Thirumanjanam, Thanga Guthirai Vahanam, Andal Kodutha Maalai Sooduthal

Day 5 – May 1 (Friday)

Early Morning: PonSaparam Ther at Karuppanna Swamy Kovil
Morning: Sri Kallazhagar Vaigai Aatril Ezhuntharulal (Vaigai River entry)
Noon: Angapradatchanam at Ramarayar Mandapam
Night: Vandiyur Veeraraghava Perumal Temple rituals

Day 6 – May 2 (Saturday)

Morning: Sesha Vahanam procession to Thenur
Afternoon: Garuda Vahanam – Moksham for Manduga Maharishi
Night: Dasavatharam Kaatchi

Day 7 – May 3 (Sunday)

Morning: Mohini Avatharam
Afternoon: Rajanga Alankaram procession
Night: Poo Pallakku

Day 8 – May 4 (Monday)

Early Morning: Pushpa Pallakku, return to Thirumaliruncholai

Day 9 – May 5 (Tuesday)

Early Morning: Sri Kal Azhagar Appan Thirupathi Ezhuntharulal
Arrival at Azhagar Kovil

Day 10 – May 6 (Wednesday)

Urchava Saatru Murai (Festival conclusion rituals)

Significance

Meenakshi’s Wedding: Symbolizes divine union and Madurai’s spiritual heritage.
Alagar’s Journey: Represents harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Community Spirit: Lakhs of devotees gather, making it one of the largest festivals in South India.

Getting Here

By Air: Madurai International Airport (10 km from city center) connects to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and international destinations.
By Train: Madurai Junction is a major railway hub with direct trains from Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, and other South Indian cities.
By Road: Well connected by NH38 and NH44. Frequent buses from Chennai, Trichy, and Coimbatore.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses are available. During festival days, expect traffic diversions near Meenakshi Temple and Vaigai River.

Tips for Devotees & Visitors

Arrive Early: Key rituals like Thirukalyanam (April 28) and Therottam (April 29) draw massive crowds. Secure your spot well in advance.
Accommodation: Book hotels or lodges weeks ahead. Options range from budget stays near the temple to premium hotels around the city.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended—saree or salwar for women, dhoti or simple cotton wear for men.
Essentials: Carry water, light snacks, and avoid valuables. Footwear is not allowed inside temple premises.
Festival Etiquette: Respect barricades, follow volunteer guidance, and avoid pushing in crowded processions.
Photography: Allowed in public processions, but restricted inside sanctum areas.
Health & Safety: April–May is hot; stay hydrated and use sun protection. Medical aid stations are set up during major events.