Legendary Madurai Chithirai Thiruvizha of Meenakshi Temple cancelled due to Corona Lockdown!

Not just India but entire nations across the world are under lockdown mode because of the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus Pandemic. This has caused many popular events across the world, including sporting events, political events and other such, to be cancelled. In similar vein, the legendary Chithirai Thiruvizha of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, has also been cancelled due to the nation-wide lockdown and the need for social distancing amidst the rapidly spreading Corona Virus. The Central Government has already asked that no religious congregations or meetings be held and though the cancellation of such a legendary festival is disheartening, it is the need of the hour and this decision should be lauded. 

The Chithirai Thiruvizha generally happens in the Tamil month of Chithirai, which coincides with the English month of April. This annual festival lasts for 30 days and is celebrated in the city of Madurai. The first 15 days of the festival celebrates the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi as the ruler of the region and also the deity's marriage to Lord Sundareshwarar. The next 15 days marks the celebrations for the journey of Lord Alagar from the Kallazhagar Temple in Alagar Koil to Madurai. The culmination of this festival sees the idol of Lord Alagar being immersed in the Vaigai river and generally thousands of people throng to Madurai to witness the festival. However, keeping in mind the current situation, this festival has been cancelled and the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Thirukalyanam alone would happen on May 4 and this can be witnessed live on the maduraimeenakshi.org website!