Fair and festival of Tamil nadu
Pongal
This is the most important Harvest festival celebrated by the people of Tamil Nadu. It lasts for a period of 4 days and is normally celebrated on the 13th of January till the 16th.
This festival is actually mainly celebrated to thank or show appreciation to the Sun God for giving energy towards agriculture. The people boil the first rice of the season as a tribute to the Sun God. Pongal is also the name of a dish that is very famous in the South and is cooked for most of the festivals there.
One month before the festival the females of the houses make patterns at the entrance of the houses known as Kolam with rice and colored powder. This month is called Margali and houses are whitewashed and kept ready for Pongal.
The main Pongal falls on the second day and is called Thai Pongal (Thai is the 10th month in the Tamil Calendar). All the people wear the traditional clothes, also on this day, the husband and the wife throw away some vessels that were used for the Puja. The offering also includes sugar cane and coconut.
Tamil New Year’s Day
Also known as Puthandu, the Tamil New year falls in mid April, the first month of the Tamil Calendar. The morning of Puthandu is marked as Women make beautiful Kolams at the entrance of their houses.
In this month, you can also see the mangoes hanging from the Mango trees and the flowers on the Neem tree bloomed. The people celebrate this day with these two items to show prosperity. People spend the day looking at things like Gold, Betel leaves, nuts, fruits etc. A bath and then a visit to temple Kanni is very important.
Dance Festival Mamallapuram
This event starts on December 25th of each year and is celebrated on all Saturdays. Outdoor stages have been constructed approximately 1,300 years back. The remarkable monolithic stony carvings of the Pallava rulers are located beside the sea in the prehistoric city of Mamallapuram. This occasion is a true visual feast for the dance lovers. Dances performed include Bharatha Natyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Odissi.
Cape Festival, Kanyakumari
Also known as “Cape Comorin” is located at the southern most tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A dip in the ocean here is considered holy, but the sea is rough here and not fit for bathing. This is the only place in India, where the sunset and moonrise can be viewed simultaneously on a full moon day. The Vivekananda memorial set amidst the sea is a place known to give mental emancipation. The Cape festival is celebrated on a large scale for three days at Kanyakumari. The festival is marked by a series of cultural programs.
Karthigai Deepam Festival
Tamil NaduKarthigai Deepam is the oldest festival of South India , which is also the most elaborate and the most important festival. Karthigai Deepam falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the star Krithigai is on the ascendant and usually occurs on a full moon day. This festival is also called as “the Festival of Lights”.
The popular legend behind the celebrations goes like this- Once upon a time the Devas, the heavenly immortals, put in their best possible efforts to have a complete Darshan of Lord Shiva. During this process Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar conducted an extensive search in the sky and in the neither world did they find him.
Lord Shiva asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find out the exact location of his head and his feet. Since Lord Shiva took a gigantic form, they were not able to find him anywhere. Then Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of a flaming Light whose ends cannot be defined on the hill of Thiruvannamalai. Therefore, this festival is also known as Annamalai Deepam. Here, a special torch is lighted on the zenith of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva’s Jyoti will be visible on this day. The festival is celebrated in a special manner in Thiruvannamalai.
Thaipusam
This festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu on a full moon day in the month of Thai in the Tamil calendar. It celebrates the Birthday of Lord Subramaniam, the younger son of Lord Shiva. This is the day when people with utmost faith make and keep their vows. They pray to the Lord for help and once granted they keep up to their vows.
This festival is a day of penance. The main highlight is when the devotee takes the ‘Kavadi’. The ‘Kavadi Bearer’ wears the clothes of a ‘Pandaram’(a person who lives on alms alone). The devotee carries two pots attached to long stick containing rice, milk, and other things that the devotee wishes to offer the Lord and he carries this till the Temple.
But some devotees prefer to carry empty pots and fill it up by begging and even choose to walk barefeet till the temple.It also sees people pierce their body with sharp objects, they feel very close to God and are said to feel no pain, their wounds do not bleed and no scars are left behind.
Mahamaham Festival
This is a Hindu Festival that is celebrated once in 12 years in the State of Tamil Nadu in a small town called Kumbakonam. On this day, people from all over the country come to take a dip in the famous ‘Mahamaham tank’ as it is considered sacred. The last time it was celebrated was back on March 6th, 2004.
It generally occurs in the month of Masi in the Tamil calendar that is February to March. Once in twelve years when Jupiter enter the Leo sign in the Constellation is when this grand festival is celebrated.
It is a bath which is believed to purify you of your sins and wash away your sins. This festival sees the arrival of more than 1 million people.
Thiruvaiyaru Festival
This is celebrated in Thiruvaiyaru, a town in the district of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is a music festival in honour of the famous music composer and Saint Thyagaraja and is held every year in the month of January.
It is celebrated every year on the Pushya Bahula Panchami day when the saint Thyagaraja attained samadhi. The festival is held near his Samadhi, on the banks of River Cauvery. This is one of the biggest music festivals of India and welcomes music-lovers from all the the country. Apart from the music, rituals and Pujas are also conducted during the two days of this festival.
Kanthuri Festival
The state of Tamil Nadu is a truly cosmopolitan state with different cultures, religion, races and customs. This exceptional character has given birth to many colorful festivals and carnivals. Among these, the Kanthuri Festival of Tamil Nadu is a symbol of Secularism-2/”>Secularism in the state as well as in the country. The unique feature of the Kanthuri Festival is that it is enjoyed and observed by the Hindus, Muslims and people of all other faiths alike.
Kavadi Festival
One of the most exciting festivals in India, the Kavadi Festival of Tamil Nadu is a blend of faith, sacrifice, glamor and custom. The extreme pain and sacrifice, a devotee undergoes to offer his prayers to Lord Muruga is known as the Kavadi. It is believed, the amount of virtue one receives by performing the Kavadi is million time greater than the pain he suffers. A Kavadi is a generally a wooden stick, which has two baskets hanging from it. The Kavadi that is carried by the bearers in their shoulders may vary in shapes and sizes. The Kavadis are adorned with peacock feathers and numerous brass bells. The two baskets are usually filled with rice, milk or any other things, which the devotee has promised to offer the Lord in his Vow.
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Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India with a rich cultural heritage. The people of Tamil Nadu are known for their hospitality and love of festivals. There are many festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu throughout the year, each with its own unique traditions and customs.
One of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu is Pongal. Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated in the month of January. The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi, which is a day of cleaning and getting rid of old things. The second day is called Surya Pongal, which is a day of worshipping the sun god. The third day is called Mattu Pongal, which is a day of worshipping cattle. The fourth day is called Kaanum Pongal, which is a day of visiting friends and relatives.
Another important festival in Tamil Nadu is Maha Shivratri. Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to the god Shiva. It is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February-March). On this day, devotees fast and offer prayers to Shiva. They also visit temples and take a dip in holy rivers.
Chithirai Thiruvizha is a Tamil festival celebrated in the month of Chithirai (April-May). It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with great pomp and show. The main attraction of the festival is the chariot procession of the deity Vishnu.
Aadi Perukku is a Tamil festival celebrated in the month of Aadi (July-August). It is a water festival and is celebrated to mark the beginning of the monsoon season. On this day, people take a dip in rivers and ponds to seek blessings from the rain god.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is a Hindu festival dedicated to the god Ganesha. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). On this day, devotees fast and offer prayers to Ganesha. They also install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes and worship them for 10 days.
Deepavali is a Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark half of the month of Kartik (October-November). On this day, people light diyas (lamps) and candles to symbolize the victory of good over evil. They also exchange gifts and sweets.
Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th. On this day, Christians attend church Services and exchange gifts. They also decorate their homes with Christmas trees and lights.
These are just a few of the many festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Each festival is a unique and special occasion that brings people together to celebrate their culture and heritage.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu:
- What are some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu?
Some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu include the Pongal festival, the Maha Shivratri festival, and the Tamil New Year festival.
- What are some of the unique features of fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu?
Fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu are known for their vibrant colors, lively music, and delicious food. They are also a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
- What are some of the challenges facing fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu?
One of the challenges facing fairs and festivals in Tamil Nadu is the increasing cost of organizing them. Another challenge is the lack of government support for these events.
- What are some of the ways in which fairs and festivals can be promoted?
Fairs and festivals can be promoted through a variety of means, including advertising, Social Media, and word-of-mouth. They can also be promoted by partnering with local businesses and organizations.
- What are some of the benefits of attending fairs and festivals?
There are many benefits to attending fairs and festivals. They can provide a sense of community, a chance to learn about different cultures, and an opportunity to enjoy live music and dance performances.
- What are some of the things to keep in mind when attending fairs and festivals?
When attending fairs and festivals, it is important to be aware of the following:
- The weather can be hot and humid, so it is important to stay hydrated.
- There may be large crowds, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets.
- Some fairs and festivals may have alcohol, so it is important to drink responsibly.
It is important to dress appropriately for the weather and the event.
What are some of the safety tips for attending fairs and festivals?
Here are some safety tips for attending fairs and festivals:
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets.
- Do not drink and drive.
- If you are traveling with children, keep them close at all times.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and the event.
If you see something suspicious, report it to the authorities.
What are some of the etiquette tips for attending fairs and festivals?
Here are some etiquette tips for attending fairs and festivals:
- Be respectful of other people’s property.
- Do not litter.
- Be patient, as there may be long lines.
- If you are taking photos, ask permission from the people in the photo.
Do not drink alcohol if you are under the age of 21.
What are some of the things to do after attending fairs and festivals?
Here are some things to do after attending fairs and festivals:
- Relax and reflect on the experience.
- Share your photos and memories with friends and family.
- Write a blog post or ARTICLE about the event.
- Donate to a charity that supports the fair or festival.
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