Chithirai Festival 2025 Celebrated with Devotion Across Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Celebrates Chithirai Festival 2025 with Spiritual Splendor

The sacred Chithirai Festival 2025 began with the traditional flag hoisting ceremony at the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Held on Tuesday, the event marked the beginning of one of the most revered festivals in Tamil Nadu. According to local authorities, thousands of devotees witnessed the ceremony with deep devotion and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, over in Trichy, the iconic Chithirai Car Festival—also known as Viruppan Thirunal—was celebrated on April 26 at the renowned Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The ninth-day highlight saw Namperumal, the presiding deity, emerge from the sanctum early in the morning dressed in parrot-green silk, a special offering from Srivilliputhur Andal Temple.

At 6:30 AM, Namperumal ascended the majestic temple chariot (Thiruther), which was pulled through the four main streets of Srirangam by thousands of devotees chanting “Govinda! Govinda!” The atmosphere was electric with spiritual fervor and joy.

The celebrations leading up to this day included grand processions. On April 25, the deity was paraded on a Golden Horse Vahanam, and on April 24, Namperumal was carried in a Thiruchivigai (a traditional palanquin), stopping at sacred spots for rituals and darshan.

In Tiruchi’s Woraiyur area, the Vekkali Amman Temple also saw massive participation in its own Chithirai car festival. Devotees from across the region came together to pull the decorated temple car through the streets. Many offered milk pots and performed abishekam (holy bathing ritual) for the goddess, continuing the rich cultural and religious traditions of the season.

Police and local authorities ensured smooth and safe conduct of the festivals across all locations.

These vibrant celebrations showcased Tamil Nadu’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage, drawing thousands into a shared experience of devotion, music, tradition, and joy.