Madurai’s Chithirai Festival Sparks Writing Wave Among College Students

Tell My Story

A unique Writer’s Workshop held during Madurai’s iconic Chithirai Thiruvila has inspired a new generation of storytellers and poets. Organised by the Book Guild of Madurai in collaboration with Francis Publications, the initiative aims to produce a book, featuring works from 45 emerging writers—including 30 college students—who drew inspiration from the city’s vibrant cultural festival.

The workshop sought to empower local voices and reshape the often stereotypical image of Madurai by spotlighting its rich heritage through first-hand storytelling. Set against the emotionally resonant backdrop of the Chithirai festival, participants explored their creative potential while connecting with age-old traditions.

“This is going to be an exciting addition to the pride of Madurai,” said Nicholas Francis, Director of the Book Guild, who also contributed his festival photographs for the writing project. “It’s a book by the people—poetry, essays, and stories inspired by lived experience and visual cues.”

Participants included students, local writers, and community members—many of whom discovered hidden writing talents. One such student, Gugagopika, turned a competition-winning short story into a personal turning point. “I wrote a love letter to my mother and left it under her pillow. She woke up in tears—it was the most beautiful moment we shared, and all because I discovered writing,” she recalled.

Veteran journalist S. Annamalai mentored the participants, stressing the importance of fact-checking and contextual accuracy in storytelling. “This book will be a valuable contribution to the regional literature emerging from Madurai,” he noted.

Experts from various disciplines enriched the workshop. Dr Shourini, a Visual Communication Professor, guided students on translating live festivals into literary visuals. Classical Dancer Abinaya Manoj shared insights on music and dance traditions, helping students add cultural depth to their narratives.

Judges and supporters, including Ms Sangeetha Ramesh, Mrs Kalaivani and cultural enthusiast Mr Ganaguhan, applauded the initiative’s impact. “This is the first time I’ve seen a writing workshop centered on a people’s festival. It’s empowering,” said Mr Ganaguhan.

The Chithirai Thiruvizha, which celebrates the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and the symbolic arrival of Lord Kallalagar into the Vaigai River, draws lakhs of devotees each year. Families dress their children in traditional attire, parading through the streets in celebration—an immersive spectacle of devotion, colour, and identity.

Students from Fatima College, interning with Francis Publications, described the experience as emotionally transformative. “The idea that Gods come to your neighbourhood during this festival—it sparked our imagination,” said Anancia, Geetha, and Gayethri, from the English Department. They summed up their journey with the phrase, ‘Crave To Crave, The Cravings’.

Author and workshop anchor Ms Shobana concluded, “Seeing the festival photos and hearing the stories pulled me into a wave of human emotion. I’m grateful to have witnessed this celebration of colours so intimately.”

The final product—a book of stories, poems, and reflections—promises to be not just a literary work but a cultural document celebrating the soul of Madurai through the voices of its people.

Written by: Anancia Jesika A, Gayethri S and Geetha M.