The Thirukalyanam festival is associated with the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam Temple, and it is an important festival. It is celebrated in the month of April every year. The festival celebrates the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and it is regarded as an instance of the South Indian culture of a female-dominated marriage.
These types of marriages are also known as Madurai Marriage. The male-dominated marriage is known as Chidambaram marriage that refers to Shiva’s uncontested ritual in the Shiva temple of Chidambaram.
Traditions of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam Festival :
The marriage unites urban and rural deities, mortals and people. It also is a common festival for the Vaishnavas and the Saivas. The one month period of the festival includes events such as Theppa Thiruvizhah and Ther Thriruvizhah, which are the float and the chariot festival, respectively. Nearly 50 priests perform the rituals on the day of the festival.
The poojas done by the temple priests comprise Abhisheka, Alangaram, Neivethanam and Deepa Aradanai. These rituals are done for both Sundareshwar and Meenakshi.
Tourist Essential of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam Festival :
Important Hindu festivals such as Shivaratri and Navratri are celebrated in this temple. Devotees from all over the country flock at the temple to observe the rituals. The Thirukalyanam festival is also celebrated outside India in many important cities
