The two-weeklong Chithirai festival is a grand celebration that re-enacts the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Lord Vishnu’s sister), a marriage that was seen as uniting people of all castes.
When: 25th April- 10 May
Where: Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
What’s Special: The wedding takes place on a grand scale with about 6,000 devotees inside the temple, often with special arrangements for international tourists. A stage is decorated with flowers and all the rituals of a Hindu wedding are carried out.