The ancient city of Madurai is situated on the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, India. It is known by several names like Malligai maanagar (City of Jasmine), Thoonga nagaram(City that never sleeps) and Naanmada koodal (junction of four towers referring here to the four major temples that Madurai was known for). True to one of its names, the city exports its jasmine flowers known as Madurai Malligai which is famous all over the world. When on a visit to the city, one is greeted by lavish carvings of Hindu Gods and the 14 colourful gopurams, gateway towers of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Built in the dravidian-style, the temple is a huge pilgrimage site for devotees from around the world. The most important ceremony that takes place here in April is the Chithirai Festival, which lights up the entire city and brings life back into the medieval structures. First 15 days of the festival, the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi and the marriage of Lord Sundareswara and Goddess Meenakshi is celebrated. The annual Chithirai exhibition which lasts for 45 days is also very popular and visited by all.