Which of the following statements about the Chithirai Festival of Madurai is correct?

Question

Which of the following statements about the Chithirai Festival of Madurai is correct?

1. A. The Chithirai Festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi
2. B. Lord Kallazhagar arrives on a golden horse (Correct answer)
3. C. The festival is held exclusively in December
4. D. The festival ends with a game of bullfight

Correct Answer

Option B — Lord Kallazhagar arrives on a golden horse

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Lord Kallazhagar arrives on a golden horse.

Key Points

• The Chithirai Festival of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, celebrates the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, followed by the journey of Lord Kallazhagar (a form of Vishnu) from Alagar Koyil towards the Vaigai river, borne on a golden horse.
• It falls in the Tamil month of Chithirai, corresponding to April-May, which rules out the December option.
• The festival concludes with Kallazhagar entering the river, not with any bull-taming event.

Additional Information

• The festival is notable for uniting Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions in a single celebration, drawing very large crowds to Madurai.
• The Meenakshi Amman Temple is famed for its towering gopurams and its Hall of a Thousand Pillars.
• Do not confuse the closing rite with Jallikattu, the bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu associated with Pongal in January.
• Other Tamil Nadu festivals frequently asked: Pongal (harvest), Natyanjali (dance, at Chidambaram) and Karthigai Deepam.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

मदुरै के चिथिरई महोत्सव के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है?

1. A. चिथिरई महोत्सव तमिल माह मार्गज़ी में मनाया जाता है
2. B. भगवान कल्लाझगर का स्वर्णिम घोड़े पर आगमन
3. C. यह उत्सव विशेष रूप से दिसंबर माह में आयोजित किया जाता है
4. D. यह उत्सव बैल-लड़ाई के खेल के साथ समाप्त होता है