Madurai is famous for the Chithrai Festival which takes place during mid April-May, during the Hindu month of Chithrai, when millions pour into the city for the carnival. In 2009, the festival starts on April 14. The main events are:
- Day 1: Flag hoisting, official start of festival
- Day 8: Coronation of Meenakshi Amman
- Day 9: Procession of the goddess
- Day 10: Celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam) of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar
- Day 11: Chariot procession (Ther Thiruvizhah)
- Day 12: Float procession (Theppa Thiruvizhah)
Madurai is also famous for its yearly bull run "Jallikattu" which coincides with Pongal festival in the month of January.
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The famous festivals held at Madurai, include "Teppam festival", the annual float festival, wherein the images of Sri Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar are mounted on floats, and taken to Mariamman Teppakkulam tank, where for several days they are pulled back and forth across the water in the middle of the tank, on an illuminated raft embellished with flowers, before being taken back to the main temple.