Chithirai Festival : The Festiveness blooms in April-May when the celestial marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu as "Azhagar" rode on a golden horse to Madurai to the Celestial Wedding of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathi) with Lord Sundareswarar (Siva).
This is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. Lord Azghar entering River Vaigal is a spectacular event.
On the occasion, a decorated chariot carrying the two idols of the couple is taken around the town to the tumultuous notes of Nadaswaram and beats of drums. A spiritual ambience descends upon Madurai. As the procession passes through the streets and in the vicinity of the ‘devasthanam' the devotees make offerings of coconuts, flowers, camphor and ‘agarbathis' incense sticks. A spirit of devotion marked by pomp and gaiety pervades right through the day. The festival draws a mammoth crowd. A trade exhibition and fair organised here lends festivity to the occasion.
Avanimoolam Festival : This takes place in August - September is the Coronation Festival of Lord Sundareswarar.
Float Festival: This festival takes place in January - February in the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. A specially constructed raft decorated with flowers and lights, carries the deities around the tank.
GOVERNMENT CHITHIRAI EXHIBITION:
The Government Chithirai Exhibition is held from April to June every year.