Kiruba, a participant, said, “The Chithirai Festival is currently taking place in Madurai with great grandeur and celebration… Today marks the 11th day of the festival, and the grand chariot procession (Therottam) is being held. A large number of people from outside the city have come to witness the festival. In fact, it feels like the entire city of Madurai has gathered here to watch the procession… I have been participating in the Chithirai Festival since my childhood… Compared to last year, this year, more people have dressed up as Goddess Meenakshi and taken part in the celebrations, which makes me feel very happy.”

Another devotee, Udhya Sri, stated, “I wanted to see Goddess Meenakshi last night, but I couldn’t. So today, I’ve come to see her during the chariot procession… Goddess Meenakshi looks very beautiful. I wished to dress up like her, so I came dressed in the form of Goddess Meenakshi… I feel very happy wearing the Meenakshi Amman costume… I am very happy to be part of today’s festival.”

Earlier in March, the Uyyakondan Thirumalai Ujjivanathar Temple, one of the 67 revered Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams, held its grand temple chariot festival (Therottam) with great devotion. Large crowds pulled the chariot while traditional Kailaya instruments played. This temple is historically significant as the site where Lord Shiva is believed to have restored life to Markandeya and is regarded as a sacred place offering devotees salvation. It is among the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in Thevaram hymns by saints Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnanasambandar.

The Brahmotsavam festival at the temple began on March 23 with ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by daily rituals and processions. The grand chariot procession of Lord Ujjivanathar along with Goddess Anjanatchi and Balambikai was preceded by an aarti by a priest. Devotees enthusiastically pulled the chariot through the streets, accompanied by rhythmic beats of Kailaya instruments and traditional women’s Kolattam dances.

The Chithirai Festival stands as one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Tamil Nadu, attracting lakhs of pilgrims annually to celebrate a unique tradition combining devotion, pageantry, and community spirit.